There are some things you assume, as a political reporter, you will never have to do.

Like Google the word "twink", one hand held protectively half-over your eyes, hoping this piece of research will not run you afoul of ABC internet protocols.

But that's the great thing about this rollicking Government. It's vocabulary-expanding.

Peter Slipper - wig fancier, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and hope of the Australian glossy magazine and private chauffeur vehicle industries - has stepped aside pending a sexual harassment case and rorting allegations.

This time last year, such news would have been grim for Tony Abbott, who at that time enjoyed Mr Slipper's famously flexible fealty as a Liberal MP.

But this is Australian politics, where if you wait six months or so, everyone will have changed completely; Mr Slipper is now on Julia Gillard's team, so his troubles are hers.

Mr Slipper has vacated the chair temporarily while suitably-qualified persons inspect his Cabcharge stubs and a team of lawyers and image-makers get to work on the harassment case, brought by his former adviser James Ashby, who claims Mr Slipper requested him to shower with the door open in the Speaker's home, and inquired as to whether Mr Ashby preferred "twinks or bears".

The Speaker's self-imposed suspension does not bring the Government down - just makes it hilariously dependent again upon the vote of the Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie, Ms Gillard's stiffing of whom (on the matter of poker machines and their regulation) necessitated Mr Slipper's recruitment as Speaker in the first place.

The Gillard Government is now functioning like a deeply confused public broadcaster.

On one channel it broadcasts the worthy fruits of its labours.

A detailed and thoughtful attempt at restructuring the aged care sector (a task which has given governments the screaming willies since 1997, when John Howard tried it and barely lived to tell the tale). Some valuable groundwork towards a national disability insurance scheme, a rare and treasured area of bipartisanship. The documentaries of political difficulty; pricing carbon, and thinning out areas of cyclical overspend in the federal budget.

This is the channel Julia Gillard and Wayne Swan want everyone to watch.

And that would be fine, if their other channel wasn't playing "Best Little Whorehouse In Texas" pretty-much back to back.

When it's not the Health Services Union, with its operatic skanking of low-paid hospital cleaners and the near-daily insights into just how much you can get done with a high-end credit card, it's the Julia v Kevin show, with its Jerry Springer-style chorus of Cabinet ministers lining up to holler about what a bastard the former prime minister was.

Slipper TV promises to be a ratings blockbuster, and - in the biggest programming debacle since the Rudd-Gillard leadership ballot went up against the Oscars - it's scheduled to debut on Budget day.

Everyone is always agreeing in the ALP that it's time to put an end to "the soap opera".

Which sort of makes you wonder why they keep hiring soap stars.

Annabel Crabb is the ABC's chief online political writer. View her full profile here.

DocStrange:

23 Apr 2012 9:07:23am

No matter how true or untrue the accusations might prove, it is worthwhile to remember who first published the accusations: News International with its News limited reputation of trying to lean on UK MPs by digging up personal dirt - the very MPs who sat on the parliamentary inquiry of the very company

Shebs:

Dunno mate, Labor were quick to assign the embattled and burdened Mal Colston over to Howard when they grew sick of him, and then leaked against him as well. Labor has as much form.

As for "born to rule", it is Labor that speaks of the nation as it's possession, as if any other rule than it's own is either at its sufferance or because the public are too stupid to keep the ALP in office. Yep, that particular meme is so common from Labor!

The Libs are there to keep your lot accountable, and to fix the problems you cause when in office.

Patricia:

poppy:

23 Apr 2012 1:15:26pm

Yes, absolutely, and now it has been revealed that the Libs knew about this type of behaviour way back in 2003. How on earth did Ashby get acces to all the intimate details of those allegations..when the rest of us have been kept in the dark?

grega:

23 Apr 2012 1:56:07pm

spot on poppy as the day goes on more has come out as some on here mentioned would be the case.So the coalition covered up a potential legal issue with slipper back in 2003 because he was a personal secretary to john howard ?what influence did the liberal party officials put on this staffer not to say anything, financial inducements ?Abbott will learn today that when you try and drag others into the gutter for the sake of political oportunism you may just get stuck there in the gutter yourself.Enjoy the next few weeks tony.grega

kaz:

RayS:

23 Apr 2012 9:50:59am

Abbott was behind the $100,000 Australians for Honest Politics trust fund, formed to bankroll legal challenges to One Nation at the time of the 1998 election, as a result of which Pauline Hanson, One Nation's former leader, wrongly spent 11 weeks in jail for electoral fraud.

The stink of conspiracy and abuse of privilege once again lingers and the investigation into Slipper should be extended to other Liberal party politicians usage of travel allowances and whether Murdoch's media and private investigators are working with Abbott now to destabilise Slipper.

As for the poor 30-something homosexual staffer represented by the same law firm which sued David Jones for $37m over unwanted kisses - hopefully he gets nought out of his harassment lawsuit.

There's a smelly trail here with most of the usual suspects involved. Ironically, Abbott faced a sexual assault charge himself in younger days but the media have conveniently forgotten that.

Dave:

23 Apr 2012 11:25:02am

I knew one of you foolish Labor/Green rusted on supporters would come out with the conspiracy theory and try to blame TA once again. I want to know whether Abbott was to blame for Carlton's poor performance on Saturday as he is blamed for everything else that goes wrong

RayS:

23 Apr 2012 12:09:17pm

Have another look dave because it's not just one smelling a rat.

By the way, this James Ashby the harassment accuser seems to have a questionable and volatile track record according to a story on News.com.au. The authors are probably getting caned by the editor as we speak for not presenting him as a meek little victim.

Others will be dragged into this affair just wait and see and not all on the Labor side.

Schnappi:

23 Apr 2012 1:08:33pm

Yes Dave,and futhermore abbott especially endorsed slipper at the last election,so no matter what the result is ,slipper is the liberals baby,and bet there is some more as sinodis has already lost his memory and cannot recall anything.

Gollygosh:

GraemeF:

23 Apr 2012 12:07:32pm

Plus the fact the staffer tried hard to be another Alan Jones style shock jock in his earlier days and was caught out using abusive phone calls on his rivals. He should fit in well with the Liberals and their 'anything it takes and damn the consequences' attitude. All this constant criticism of the running of Australia must be bemusing to our trading parties who look in envy at our economic conditions while the Coalition rant on about 'the worst government in history'.Perhaps they missed that government that took us into an illegal war in Iraq that wasted billions and killed countless civilians and mentally damaged a lot of our defence personnel, but no, poor put upon people on $150,000 a year can't afford to pay $10 per week for their pollution, so this must be a horrible party.

Dave:

23 Apr 2012 12:34:27pm

Was that the same government which through its diligence and competency saved us from the global financial crisis by its savings and surluses? The truth is that Gillard courted Slippery Pete so she could braeak another of her promises. This one to Wilkie so she didnt have to introduce the pokie legislation which would have put the few Labor MP's who could survive an election at risk. Labor is history and the sooner the better

Think first...:

23 Apr 2012 1:08:18pm

I try to stay out of these things - but its a bit much to go on accusing the opposition of "anything it takes politics".

Lets look at it - facts only -

The GOVERNMENT appointed to the office of speaker, a man they KNEW had a questionable past and in the process threw out one of the most respected speakers, and a Labor servant, who valued nothing more highly than being speaker, like his father before him - FOR WHAT???

Making sure they could avoid going to an election...

They then went on the offensive saying that this was a huge win for the GOVERNMENT - because they could basically cast Mr Wilike to one side.

If that's not "whatever it take politics" at its worst, I don't know what would be...

Before you say that's unfair, I would pretty much guarantee that by the end of the week, the question will be asked of the PM, "how on earth did you think, even for a minute, that dumping Jenkins for Slipper was ever going to be a good idea?"

Continue to blame everyone but your side if you like, but it was the Government's decision to replace Mr Jenkins with Mr Slipper - not the Opposition's.

Dugong:

23 Apr 2012 11:47:58am

I find it risible that people are (quite correctly) presuming innocence on behalf of Slipper, but quite happy to presume guilt on the part of the Liberals (who appear, at this point, to have nothing whatsoever to do with it).

Stuffed Olive:

Dugong:

grega:

23 Apr 2012 2:02:09pm

dugong it is starting to get messy as the day moves on and the federal court application by the accuser now implicates liberals in a potential cover up back in 2003 of another former staffer.tony was eager for the can to be opened and he has got his wish a bucket full not just can of worms and the libs are up to there necks in it !grega

BobDay:

bring back kev:

23 Apr 2012 12:34:23pm

What's worse is the automatic kicking they are giving the accusor

Yes he has a past but if a claim on these lines was made from a female who had a past of arrest for drug use say would all these ALP apologists be going the "She was wearing a short skirt, she was asking for it" defence

Both Slipper & the staffer should be left alone here on that until it goes through the courts - the bigger issue (as the sexual harrassment is not going to the police at thsi stage) is the possibility of fraud - to suspect that someone has been "put up" on that is to assume someone is willing to make something up completely & risk jail for making false claims to police - now if that is proven (again, standing down until it is looked at is fine) Slipper should be out

The fact it took the Libs way too long to disendorse Slipper does not forgive the ALP from voting him in as Speaker when they knew he had form - it just shows the PM's office again goes to win the day in politics without looking at the longer term

Drum Major:

Freeway:

23 Apr 2012 9:19:05am

Slipper was never a minister in the Howard government.The Nats wouldnt preselect him and the Libs did.Alarm bells rang fairly early with Slipper to the point he was to lose presection eight years ago,but due to the LNP amalgamation he was grandfathered in again by agreement which protected all sitting members.Gillard owns this bloke,she appointed him,that simple.Just another dirty deal done by this rotten corrupt government.

sencit:

23 Apr 2012 2:48:06pm

Is it possible Julia thought offering this position to Slipper she would kill two birds with one stone. Help her politically and reform this dodgy bloke. Alas, it seems to have backfired. Take comfort, every down side has an upside. I hear Bill Shorten is having people working on his acceptance speech.

frangipani:

Azrael:

23 Apr 2012 10:48:29am

Parliamentary Secretary to the PM is pretty high up there - it's about on a par with being a minister in terms of party office and parliamentary 'ranking', without the responsibility or scrutiny of being a minister. It's a position you give to long-term party hacks who you want to buy off or reward with a top-level job, but without actually giving them sole oversight of anything that's in the public eye.

Rhonda:

Andie:

23 Apr 2012 11:30:22am

A few facts needed.

Slipper has been on the nose in the Liberal Party for years. The only reason he was preselected in 2010 was the agreement between to Libs and Nats when they amalgamated to form the LNP. It guaranteed automatic preselection for all sitting members at their next election. Hence Slipper was the candidate.

He was NOT going to be preselected for the next election and hence Slipper was out for everything he could get before he was gone.

poppy:

23 Apr 2012 1:24:38pm

Andie, Slipper was Parliamentary Secretary to John Howard in 2003 when allegations of improper behaviour were raised. They were dumped. Why is it that now in the papers lodged by Ashby he refers to the intimate details of those allegations?. Where did he get that information? Who gave it to him? Why were they not acted on in 2003 by the Liberals?

Think first...:

Mark From Launceston:

23 Apr 2012 10:15:34am

"....Gillard knew she was taking a calculated risk. She just calculated wrong."

Yep the storey of this government really. WRONG almost all the time.

It really wouldn't surprise me if the Government lost the high court against the Tabacco companies. (NOt that I want the Tabacco companies to win....I despise them) , but going on form the chances are the Government will lose.

Does anyone here honestly believe that this isn't the worst government since post WW2?

Robert:

23 Apr 2012 2:27:24pm

Perhaps country gal is concerned about the 1300.00 she will have to pay each and every year under Tony's "direct action" plan, perhaps she has a mortgage and is worried about the liberals record of spiralling interest rates, record private debt maybe, the closure of schools & hospitals, ripping a billion dollars out of public health, slashing pensions and superanuation, another gun levy, or ansett levy or sugar levy, perhaps the shadow of Malcolm Turnbull seeking his revenge or is it just Barnaby and the oddballs in the coalition that scares the bejesus out of her?

Schnappi:

Mark From Launceston:

as I have said below. I have voted ALP more times since 1983 in STATE/ FEDERAL elections.

What exactly is a "typical Liberal voter"anyway.

Is it like you (a typical ALP voter) who thinks the party they voted for is like the POPE and infallible?

We are wealthy DESPITE the ALP. This current mob are doing their best to screw it up.

Remember befire the GFC Ireland was in a better financial position than GERMANY.

"The country will rue the day Abbott becomes PM"

Is that like we rued the day Howard became PM?

You lt tried telling us that pre 1996 election. You even got ALP actors to try and tell us the sky was falling in.

Howard was the best PM since WW2 for his first 3 terms. (He then lost the plot/ ideas...became stale)

Abbott is a Rhodes Scholar.He has been and lived with the Aboriginal people (not just a photo opportunity like this useless mb) He gives endless amount of time to charities and the community (volunteer foire brigade)

What exactley has ANYONE in ths government remotley done compared with him?

maj:

23 Apr 2012 2:08:12pm

Australia is not the wealthiest nation in the world. Get your head out of your rear end, yank. Cant you tell a crumbling currupt administration when you see it? Do you wear rose coloured glasses? Or is it only coalition people who have the capacity to be stupid and corrupt?

belzie:

23 Apr 2012 11:00:42am

Cross my heart and hope to die, i believe what is self evident: this government has made some stuff ups, but in the face of a difficult parliament and a self serving media, it has somehow managed to create stable government and enact some excellent legislation.The tobacco packet legislation will no doubt just be another example.

Chris:

Tom1.:

23 Apr 2012 11:11:38am

If you are hanging your hat on the hope that the High Court will find against the Government,you are like the rest of the blog, more than likely wrong. Just because the Howard Government did not have the fortitude to to take on the Tobacco Companies, alone indicates that The Gillard Government is in front.Pretty easy to ridicule, and to point to problems with Slipper and Thompson, but in all his time in Power, with majority governments, what did Howard do, apart from middle class welfare and the GST which he said we would never have. He also by the way shielded Slipper.Contrast that with Gillard's achievements and you will realise that your claim is ridiculous.

mac:

By no means the Worst:

23 Apr 2012 11:20:29am

@ Mark.

For the record, I have voted for both the Coalition and Labor over many elections. You asked a sincere question so I will give a sincere answer.

Hand on heart, this is by no means the worst government since WW2. It definitely is not the best but there is no way it is the worst. They have made many stuff ups (like all governments) but they have made some very good changes in a very tough environment.

But what I do believe, hand on heart, is that this is the worst opposition that I have ever seen. Sure, they are miles ahead in the polls, but that is not how I judge oppositions. My view is that oppositions should always act in the best interests of the country. They will often have different views and policies to the government of the day and I am interested in these differences. However, the current opposition, led by Mr Abbott, puts pragmatism ahead of policy, polls ahead of the nations interests.

Sure, they are not the first and they will not be the last oppositon to play politics, but I have never seen a more deceitful bunch of people run for office (NSW Labor excluded). There have been many occassions when the have lied (and yes politicians on all sides lie) but what took the cake for me was when they had the audacity to claim in the last election that their figures had been audited by a reputable accounting firm. The Shadow Treasurer knew what 'audit' meant and what that firm did was in no way shape or form an audit. He lied. Full stop.

In the next election I will not be voting for Ms Gillard, I will be voting against Mr Abbott as I do not want to see this brand of deceitful politics be rewarded.

mack:

23 Apr 2012 11:38:14am

"But what I do believe, hand on heart, is that this is the worst opposition that I have ever seen. Sure, they are miles ahead in the polls, but that is not how I judge oppositions. My view is that oppositions should always act in the best interests of the country. They will often have different views and policies to the government of the day and I am interested in these differences. However, the current opposition, led by Mr Abbott, puts pragmatism ahead of policy, polls ahead of the nations interests."

I have to agree - and I'm in Slippers electorate and have voted for him!

Mark From Launceston:

23 Apr 2012 12:55:57pm

@ By no means the Worst

1. The opposition has voted with 87% of the governments Bills. The Bills they have opposed is supported by the MJORITY of the population. Worst oppsition??? You really have got to be joking. Did you read what you wrote?

. The carbon tax is not in this countries interest I tend to take Campell Newmans view. f everyone is in, then we are If not everyone is in then we are not " Simple. When Rio Tinto sells ONLY its NZ and Australian Aluminium plants there is only ONE reason. (It is keeping Canadian plants...Canadian dollar is high too....wages etc are just as high)

I cant see how any ALP voter can say they are for this government.

I have actually voted ALP more times since 1983 than the Coalition in State/ Federal elections.

This is easily the worst government. Many people say Macmahon, but he was merely the end of a party in power too long (like Kennely in the NSW last state election) He can hardly take ALL the blame . (I am not saying he was not bad)

Even some things that you may say are good have been really stuffed up (eg: MBN, which nobody wants and is a white elephant. It runs past my house but nobody i know wants it!!! EVER!!!)

PDP11:

Worst government since WW2 is a tough one. Billy McMahon's performance is still in a class of his own and Whitlam's Morosi/Loans Affair/dismissal/constitutional crisis is yet to be overtaken.

This government is going to be remembered for Pink Batts, broken promise to Wilke, etc. We haven't fallen into a constitutional crisis yet but the government is doing its best to bring one on. What have they gained from breaking a promise to Wilke over poker reforms? They could have had a real attempt at passing poker reforms, kept Wilke on side and brought in Slipper as a buffer, but they couldn't even do that. So maybe not the worst government but they are seriously trying for most moronic.

Gollygosh:

23 Apr 2012 1:03:28pm

There is a possibility that this Government will be remembered for educational reforms and by far a majority of schools much better off with new buildings, etc. An Aged Care reform that is absolutely fantastic compared with what has gone before, the right choice in combating the GFC, and even the pink batts had no more things go wrong than would happen generally out in the public arena. (Sadly we have workplace deaths and we have shonky operators all over all the time, nothing new to see here.)

My greatest fear is that Abbott comes in and undoes all the reform that Labor has battled against the odds to bring in.

Marko:

23 Apr 2012 11:28:03am

They are bad at getting the message across and some pretty poor political judgement but some brilliant wins on long term legislation. The crying shame is the good stuff will probably be destroyed by a subsequent election blow out and probably a double dissolution that will destroy the Greens. Back to a decade ago for the lot of us.

stevei:

23 Apr 2012 11:43:31am

Got my hand on my heart and I think you are talking rubbish. Considering the makeup of the parliament I think Julia and her labor government have done a brilliant job - best in the world! Have you given any thought to the state Australia would have been in had bully boy Abbott managed to bribe the independents to side with him after the last election? Put your hand on your heart and say that you think Robb/Joyce, Hockey and the innumerate Abbott could have done a better job than Wong, Swan and Gillard. Hard isn't it - you are probably getting cramp or perhaps your shoulder has slipped out of joint!

Gollygosh:

Reinhard:

23 Apr 2012 12:13:15pm

I disagree, the worst govt in our nations history is the one that:1: Slashed $1 Billion from hospital funding, reducing Federal funding from 49% to 45%2: Slashed federal funding to public schools from 42% in 1996 to 35% in 2006.3: Led us into an illegal war based on a lie.5: Had the PM face a royal commission (set up so the terms of reference meant the PM was never incriminated ) over kickbacks to the very regime that we invaded4: Lied to the Australian people about children being thrown overboard6: Sent our elite SAS onto a merchant ship full of unarmed refugees 5: Under-priced the sale of Telstra T1 for $14 billion, costing taxpayers $12b in 1997 dollars (the best part of $18b now).6: Sold $2 Billion of our gold reserves was sold off when the gold price was at rock bottom, 7: Bought US and Japanese treasury bonds with the proceeds of the gold sale. 9: Caused household debt to double in relation to disposable income 10: Left office with a structural deficit of $57 billion.

GraemeF:

23 Apr 2012 12:14:53pm

Almost the best set of books in the world. Low interest rates, low unemployment and they weren't responsible for taking us into an illegal war or be completely blind (if you believe the Lying Rodent) to see the same dictator we were supposed to be saving the world from receive millions in bribes from an Australian company.I suppose they were too busy spying on peace groups to overlook this little piece of still unpunished treason.The Coalition also sold off everything they could lay their hands on and only left a fraction of that in the bank. So they wasted the principal and forgo the revenue. Complete economic stupidity, stealing from the future to bribe the present.

Gondwana Lad:

I think at this stage the High Court may rule in the Govts favour.Time will tell.

Meantime NZ and several other countries are looking to stand up to Big Tobacco and impose plain packaging requirements, based on the leadership and example of this government.

For all their critics, they are still trying to improve public health and overcome the power of the cigarette companies.

Meantime the LNP oppose plain packaging and take donations from the tobacco companies. At least we know exactly what this vested interest wants and how much they are paying for their parliamentary poodles.

kettles_away:

23 Apr 2012 1:19:44pm

I'm no profession blogger...I'm reading and writing this on my lunch break and as I'm a blow in from across the oceans, I've no idea what any government pre-Howard did or didn't do.But I agree with others who say that while this government struggles to get their message across, they are trying to get some things done ala NBN, pollution tax, disability benefit, taxing big (obscene) mineral profits. And I do concede that it is hard to get your message across when the media doesn't want to report it (or at least properly). But I do know that Abbott is a walking disgrace. i appreciate politics is a dirty business, but not that dirty...and continuously dirty, without ever letting up. Your question implies that you do think this is the worst government. Given all the circumstances and facts surrounding this minority government (including a GFC), throw the question back on yourself and ask yourself what the basis for your impression is. If its an emotional or ideological belief, then you're the one that fails the honesty test. Have a good one...

Solon6:

23 Apr 2012 2:45:12pm

Sorry Mack, but having long considered the successive Liberal goverments who took us into the Vietnam War and kept us there to be the worst, I have had to change my mind and give the palm to Howard. Iraq was even worse than Vietnam: it was not merely a matter of having to ask someone to request our aid, it was a matter of attack a country which had disarmed for not disarming, when it was KNOWN that there was enormous doubt about the existence of WMDs. The UN inspectors were standing there with lists of supposed weapons locations supplied by the Americans, going,"Nope, nope, nope," as they crossed them off. I was worried as early as November 2002, 3 months before we went in. I was running round asking my former students whom I'd tried to teach some research methology to whether I had ever told them anything like, "If you have a source you are trying to evaluate, and it has a list of statements that can be checked, and the first, say, 3 statements are wrong, and NONE

Solon6:

23 Apr 2012 2:51:54pm

...are right, is the best way to proceed to assume that everything not yet checked is right?" (I'm glad to say they assured me that I had said no such thing.) Blind Freddy could have seen that there was too much doubt to simply assume the rest was true and run off and kill, literally, tens of thousands of people on the basis of that assumption. Add in Tampa, "Children Overboard", and temporising on climate change. Howard brought dishonour on this country that will never be completely expunged. My problem is that I think Abbott and his puppeteers may be capable of snatching the prize from Howard.

Mark From Launceston:

because most of what people write here rubbish. ALP/ Liberal voters would never admit the other party has any good ideas or that the party they voted for is rubbish.

The ALP are not infallible and they have screwed up. Even getting rid of workchoices (which is why i voted the ALP and RUDD) has been screwed up.

Fairwork is outright biased and is protecting the government. Even blind freedy can see it is not independant!!We now have Unions (btw I am in the AWU) pusing for a 5% pay rise on Bluesteel!! Can anyone please tell me how that is right?

Name one (just one thing) that you can say ep the ALP did a good job on tha"?"

Shebs:

23 Apr 2012 9:18:25am

Mal Colston.

His egregious acts during his Labor years were automatically assigned to Howard when you lot finally got rid of him. Not also that Howard did not promote him either. That act alone makes Gillard's move foolish, and does raise questions about her decision making.

Eyes wide open:

23 Apr 2012 9:36:52am

Unsubstantiated tosh about Mal Colston. Get your facts right. Your claim that Howard did not promote him is wrong. The truth is that after the 1996 election, the Labor Party refused to nominate Colston to become Deputy President of the Senate. In a bid to win him over, Howard then offered to support him. Colston resigned from the Labor Party by fax message at 11:30 a.m. on 20 August, and he took his seat as an independent that afternoon. In the evening, he was elected Deputy President. Checkmate, Shebs.

Fact not Fiction:

23 Apr 2012 10:56:46am

So you are of the firm opinion that Howard did not promote Colston? Maybe you should ask Annabel who, in a Drum post on November 24 2011 wrote and I quote: Mal Colston was the Labor senator whom John Howard's Coalition duchessed with the Senate deputy presidency in 1996.. Facts always trounce fiction.

Oggie:

I seem to recall the Labor fan-club squealing with joy at the appointment of Slipper just before Christmas and the Liberal equivalent accusing the Gillard of dirty tricks and back room deals.

Now, when it all [inevitably] blows up in Gillard's face, the opposite occurs. Funny.

I have a hard time believing this is a conspiracy. Slipper has form and removed himself from the Speaker position. If he has nothing to worry about why would he do that? Surely a person in such an important position would not risk destablising a Government over baseless accusations. Also, if the Liberals truly are looking after the interests of their rich friends, what possible gain do they have in putting the Pokies reform issue back on the table?

Wilkie must be rubbing his hands with glee at the moment. Get ready for some serious Gillard grovelling and 'tough decision' making. She either appeases Wilkie or loses supply (if the accusations of Slipper prove true).

belzie:

23 Apr 2012 11:19:21am

I live in Seat Sniffer Town ... yes it had a huge 'ewww' factor, and after our latest debacle here where the Libs wanted to include carbon offset money into the income of public housing tenants (!) he's not my fave treasurer...but he has behave himself since he left his wife and moved in with the now ex-Green, Adele Carles (who likewise left her husband).Re Slipper, i agree with all your assessments, except that Gillard does need to take responsibility for puuting him in the Speaker's chair...i guess she crossed her fingers on that, but of course she never has any luck.

SG Warren:

23 Apr 2012 12:48:10pm

Compare Buswell to what Slipper is currently being accused of though.

Snapping staffers bra-straps, making inappropriate comments to other female politicians of both his own party and the opposition, has an affair with a member of the Greens, sniffs a womans chair then makes inappropriate comments regarding her.

The Libs make him deputy leader.

Slipper allegedly makes advances on a staff member and is (allegedly) knocked back. Staff member then says he gave his cab charge tickets to a limo driver.

din:

23 Apr 2012 11:38:23am

and thats where Abbott needed to focus on

He already said that Slipper is innoccent until proven guilty, but he needed to stress that he has been doing a decent job as speaker.

they had a difficult time keeping Slipper honest when he was in their party, and its no surprise that he wasnt to be offered preselection for the next election. but he shouldnt be blaming it on Gillard.

Anne M:

23 Apr 2012 12:58:06pm

Why doesn't Annabel dig her claws into abbott and the LiberalParty. There is plenty material there that she could write about. It is about time that lots of Australians need to have the blinkers taken off from the crap that abbott feeds them.

G:

mack:

23 Apr 2012 11:42:20am

The Menzies years where also " stable" years. Can you mention one thing they achieved? The White Australia policy?We may well be less stabel but at least we are progressive: low inflation, low interest, low anemployment....it matters!

Gollygosh:

23 Apr 2012 2:04:47pm

Well there was the lie about the "Yellow Peril" and the subsequent involvement in Cambodia and Vietnam against all advice to the contrary. Thanks to Bob we found ourselves not only UK lackeys but also licking the boots of the USA then. A far reaching and very significant Lie - and not Labor's!

the yank:

23 Apr 2012 10:41:32am

How many wars has Labor started?

The Gillard government is streets ahead of the Howard government.

If you vote Abbott you will regret it. When a person does not believe in the basic right of every individual, the right of innocence until proven guilty, they do not deserve the power given to the PM's office.

LemonMan:

Chris:

23 Apr 2012 11:26:39am

Labor, the party of the unions. Guess they have not defended freedom because they have not been told to by the higher comrade. Interesting how the waterside unions refused to load supplies needed by our troops fighting Kakoda. Then they went on strike for a pay rise because some supplies were ammunition, then when Russia was attacked, the union actions stopped.

markd:

23 Apr 2012 1:35:55pm

What a deluded world history you were obviously indoctrinated with!ANYONE who is not a conservative is obviously a COMMIE!Grow up, stop using ideollogy as swear words and read some independent history; or in your case ANY history.

grega:

din:

23 Apr 2012 11:32:49am

its just politics.

Labor would go for a liberal if they did something wrong - like getting accused of shoplifting

as for the right of innocence until proven guilty, Abbott did throw that token line in. Its a pity that that under labor, its legal to claim to be an refugee, but its 5 years jail to take the that person to Oz so they can make the claim. That sounds a bit rough.

as for the wars, I wonder if labor supported them at the time - I expect its was mainly the greens who were always opposed.

but its still all politics - if it wasnt they would be talking about how males are often the target of sexual harrassment, and not how its Abbott who we should blame.

Frank:

23 Apr 2012 1:04:26pm

Yes and if your prediction proves right there will be an election opportunity to change again thereafter. Thank goodness there are a lot in the middle of the true believers on either side of politics who can influence election results either way.

Points North:

23 Apr 2012 3:10:07pm

So I guess you consider the standing aside of the Commandant of ADFA by the Gillard government equally reprehensible, or is it only Tony Abbott who plays fast and loose with judicial principle. I do not like Abbott, but I for one will be overjoyed when this present government is consigned to the dustbin. It's incompetence is now being overshadowed by the pervading smell of corruption.

Tom1.:

23 Apr 2012 11:23:32am

Very high and mighty James. Very commendable! Why are you , like the opposition so consumed by what you call standards. Gillard's actions in so far as Thompson and Slipper are concerned were forced on her by the people in not giving her a majority. The alternative would have been Abbott as PM.

Why not concern yourself with what this Government has achieved. If you are against a carbon, or mining tax, and do not care about the environment just say so. If you are against a disability insurance scheme, or changes to the Welfare system, or have problems with the Gonski Report, just say so. If you favour the tobacco companies, I could go on and on...just say so.

belzie:

Mary Ann:

23 Apr 2012 11:31:54am

Only the Australian Greens have an unblemished record of transparent honesty in the political arena.Regardless of the current problems it cannot be denied that Peter Slipper has been an excellent Speaker in the House of Representatives.We know that the Liberals are capable of attempting to destroy people who do not actively support them - remember the false documents used against Justice Kirby for instance and the imprisonment of Pauline Hansen.

Brujo:

23 Apr 2012 10:27:12am

As usual, the ALP's only argument is to turn the spotlight on to the Liberals. They never seized this bloke to make him Speaker, the boss of the Parliament, effectively. The ALP always seems to forget that whatever shortcomings and hypocracies and shortcomings the Libs may exhibit, THEY are not in government throwing our billions away for little benefit to the wider population.

rob1966:

23 Apr 2012 11:14:23am

Actually, the LNP was unable to get rid of Slipper at the last election, even though they wanted to dis-endorse him at the time. Under a reshuffle of seats with the Nationals there was an agreement that no sitting MP would lose their seat, so Slipper could not be dumped.

The only reason that Slipper defected to Labor under the Speaker deal was because he knew his days were numbered.

Grasshopper:

23 Apr 2012 12:02:10pm

So, what you're saying is, the Coalition really REALLY wanted to get rid of him, but they made an agreement with themselves that they wouldn't get rid of him so they couldn't. So it's not their fault, it's Labor's.Yup.

Andie:

23 Apr 2012 11:34:50am

Slipper was the automatic preselection for the last election because of the agreement between the Libs and Nats to form the LNP which guaranteed all sitting members preselection. If that had not been in force he would NOT have been preselected.

poppy:

Albo:

23 Apr 2012 11:00:39am

As much as you want to blame Abbott and the media for everything nasty that happens to this government with cries howls of hypocrisy !The differences here are that someone has actually made an official complaint and lodged a statement of claim in the Federal Court ( its not just like previous years of rumour and scuttlebuitt about Slipper!). Furthermore, whilst this claim has been made the Federal Finance Department and Federal Police are investigating him for fraud.Furthermore, whilst everyone knew there was a stench around this guy, and Libs were looking to get rid of his preselection for the next poll, the good judgement yet again of this PM and her desperate government was to grab this guy to shore up up its numbers. It was always going to end in tears !And just adds to the litany of errors perpetrated by this government.

Tobias:

23 Apr 2012 11:48:21am

It's not just the ALP that has double standards. So does the LNP. In fact, it's extremely hypocritical for any politician to get on his moral high horse because they're just as likely to fall off at the next ethical hurdle.

Round Objects:

23 Apr 2012 12:43:28pm

I remember I gave an ex-employee a "good" reference once, full of hidden meanings and this person then employed her. Later, I was accused of lying in my reference causing some sort of problems in the ex-employees' new job and company. I reminded this person that if they employed her on the basis of my reference, that's one thing but his organisation had also promoted her within the company which was completely nothing to do with me!!!Sorry "the yank", again your bias shows terribly. It's not Annabel's fault, it's not Tony's fault, you should respect democracy a bit more. We are all free to make our own decisions and then we are accountable!!!

Round Objects:

Dugong:

Paragraph 2 describes any politician, and any party - just look at Labor's smear campaign against Newman in the Qld elections.

Paragraph 3 - it is quite clear that if you endorse a person you has previous allegations against him, then that person is well and truly your problem.

Paragraph 4 - I am happy to give Slipper the presumption of innocence. Ironically, most ALP-leaning bloggers on this page (yourself included, apparently) are not prepared to give the same presumption to the Liberals.

burke:

poppy:

Johnno:

23 Apr 2012 10:49:06am

Did we? We still don't know now. I'm inclined to believe that he is, but the claims against him certainly went through more rigorous testing than the claims that Uriah Heep's Party is hysterically slinging mud at.

Ray:

Turing:

23 Apr 2012 12:14:58pm

Vested interest? This is the same old hymn book of Hate Thy Gay Neighbour. When Abbott's LNP senator was charged with assaulting a security officer, and shop stealing, he said we should let justice run its course. Now he is saying not if they might be homosexual. Why should being homosexual give you less respect from the coalition? Abbott simply cannot resist reaching for the baseball bat.

The problem is Abbott told Sixty Minutes he feels threatened by homosexuals. Tony Abbott and the Papal Knight Murdoch Press should stop the gay hate, and let justice run its course in the courts. You know, like they have expected of others when LNP members were charged by police. They trying get someone to take their own life here, and that disgust me.

Gary:

23 Apr 2012 7:27:59am

You have to hand it to Gillard, she has become the most prolific mud slinger to ever appear in the Australian government and has perfected the art of disguising a cowardly retreat to overseas when there more of the smelly version of mud coming her way than she can dodge.

Wining Pom:

k9:

23 Apr 2012 9:16:56am

Don't you mean the biggest mud slinger is Tony Abbott and co. I cannot recall Julia Gillard ever calling Abbott a Liar or verbally abusing him. Since Abbott became leader the Liberals have sunk to new lows to try to bring down the Labor Government. He did it with Pauline Hanson, he did it with Cheryl Kernot. The Liberals owned Peter Slipper for 18 years, put up with all his indiscetions and now suddenly he is an Independant, not Labor as many would have you believe, and he is the lowest of the low. Jenkins was a lazy speaker, and it has been acknowledge by all politicians that Slipper has been a very good speaker, even Annabel has said this.

Sack:

23 Apr 2012 11:35:29am

This really is a race to the bottom. Labor's dirty linen does not make the LNP look good and the LNP's dirty linen does not Labor look good. Put all of the posts here together and we have had some sad, sad parliamenty representation all around.

poppy:

Tom1:

23 Apr 2012 9:19:38am

What a stupid comment! Have you no shame! Do you really thing that overseas visits by the nations Prime Minister are organised at the drop of a hat? How does she dodge any issue caused by an Ex Liberal member of Parliament, who has for years been protected by John Howard and the Liberal machine, by being overseas?

Ima Dill:

23 Apr 2012 11:24:32am

She has to be overseas this week, so she cannot be seen to be avoiding the Queensland bi-election in Anna Bligh's former seat of South Brisbane which is being conducted this coming Saturday. The ALP fear losing the seat with another massive swing to the Campbell Newman lead LNP and if the PM were to campaign that would have given the LNP an even better chance of winning the seat.

Whilst it good for the PM to visit Anzac Cove, let's remember it is also very convenient for her this week to avoid an embarrassing presence in South Brisbane. Could you imagine the embarrassment that would engulf Labor if they were asked where is your star performer, yeah "where is Julia?" But with her out of the country, it makes a non-appearance to support the Queensland ALP easy to explain.

poppy:

23 Apr 2012 11:54:45am

Well done!..... You totally forgot to mention that the Prime Minister is atttending a G20 Meeting as well as going to the Anzac Day Ceremony at Gallipoli..... Obviously you don't get out much or you would have known that you need to book these sorts of trips months ahead!

Frank:

23 Apr 2012 1:07:53pm

Apparantley a visit to Gary Gray's seat of Brand was, and you can bet the audience of 160 was probably only labor stooges. Here's hoping Brand will become a swinging seat next time around, so it gets thge political advantage it deserves.

psyclaw:

23 Apr 2012 9:59:26am

And yet Gary, despite the polls, continual negativism, habitual dummy spitting, reflexive lying and deception, daily media tarting, and calls from left right and centre, Abbott has yet to have the bottle to put up a no confidence motion in the House.

As well, despite the independents in 2010 pledging only confidence and NOT policy support to Ms Gillard, Abbott has not negotiated and had legislated one single positive piece of policy with the waiting independents' support.

Tristan:

robbie:

23 Apr 2012 10:03:05am

Cowardly retreat what a joke ! this has been an orchestrated diversion once again and i am very suspicious that news limited have all the fine details ,Its hard to find any reference to our PM on her pre planned overseas trip let alone what she is there for,Last weeks diversion the Hockey blurb took place in the news over the the biggest news story of the week which concerns us all, the big tick from the IMF .Last time our PM was overseas more distraction news all about a Rudd challenge and it goes on & on..

Greg:

23 Apr 2012 10:26:02am

Unlike with Thompson, it will take more effort for the ALP to block the police investigation, but the ALP has a record of not letting that stop them. What was it, after two weeks we know from the NSW police that the person that signed the back of C. Thompsons credit card was the same person that signed for the prostitutes, etc, then Fair Work Australia (aka unions) have refused to hand over information to the police. So, after 3+ years we are still waiting for justice to be done!!!!!!!

psyclaw:

poppy:

23 Apr 2012 11:23:39am

FWA is an independant organisation, it is not open to direction from the Parliamentt for its day to day activities. FWA has a legal obligation to protect those who gave evidence. If the DPP finds that criminal charges should be laid then no doubt the police will become involved. Love the way Abbott screams that Gillard should tell FWA what to do and in the next breath accuses her of interfering!

Annie :

Frank:

23 Apr 2012 2:27:32pm

So "poppy" before any appology is due perhaps Mr Thompson would like to offer a public explanation for this grubby affair, OR perhaps the public is due proper explanation from the police and fair work australia (what a joke). I know as a "servant" issued a credit card for work related activity, I was not only legally bound to comply with the corporate guidelines, I was also required to sign statements of compliance against expenditure. Oh, and I would be held accountable for any irregularities. So I'd be surprised if Mr Thompsons HSU corporate guidelines didn't have any accountability and even so (at the very least) he doesn't deserve to be a Federal Politician when he obviously shows little regard for someone elses money. How he can maintain his poker face is beyond me, and before all the "what about so and so" sayers get onboard, I condone none of the truth benders and wrong do-ers who seem to take it as a God given right to make their own rules up about expending public monies or abusing their privillages.

Johnno:

23 Apr 2012 10:50:44am

What evidence do you have that the ALP stopped any police investigation. I think there is much better evidence that the Liberals used their power in New South Wales to generate a police investigation. Just look at the star casino circus.

Johnno:

TUSWCB:

23 Apr 2012 2:45:55pm

Have you any idea the purpose of her trip? If you did, you would keep your mouth shut. She is going to a ceremony commemorating the soldiers for ANZAC day. I thought misugided conservatives like you clung onto patriotism to justify your ridiculous right wing notions. Guess I was wrong.

the yank:

23 Apr 2012 7:33:09am

What a nonsense article Annabel.

By the time that Parliament sits again the cab charge issue will be decided. That is the only issue that can derail Mr. Slipper.

A ratings block buster? Slipper's past didn't rate a mention when he was Howard's man now it does and its Gillard fault? Oh common.The sexual accusations sounds like a beat up to me.In Australia a person is innocent until proved guilty so my advice is to give the person the benefit of the doubt.

Le blogeur gai:

And which "news" organisation broke the story? News Limited, and we all know that they are just the media arm of the Liberal Party, especially "The Australian".

This reeks like the Mike Rann/Michelle Chantelois beatup which was run by Adelaide's "The Advertiser" newspaper (Murdoch press) during the last State election.

The whole affair began in the lead up to the election and was hammered non-stop by the Murdoch Press in an attempt to effect regime change, only to mysteriously die after Rann and Labor won the election.

poppy:

Lewis of The Hills:

23 Apr 2012 12:07:25pm

I have a better conspiracy theory for you, Yank. I recon Peter Slipper himself was part of the set up all along. He only pretended to be disgruntled about a pretend move by the LNP to disendorse him so as to lure Gillard into offering him the speakership. Then a few months later they wheel out James Ashby & the scandal errupts with Slipper standing aside immediately. They will let the storm build up so as to destroy any chance of the budget restoring Labor's fortunes then later James Ashby will withdraw all allegations with some pretend settlement.

rob1966:

Actually Yank, that is not quite true - allegations of rorts by Slipper were investigated in the past, and he has been required to "repay" incorrectly claimed allowances and the like.

He's not known as "Slippery Pete" for nothing!

As for the "sexual accusations", they are - in my opinion - a more serious matter. The number of people, yourself included, who are willing to dismiss them just because the victim is a male, or because he has had prior involvement with police, is disturbing.

grega:

23 Apr 2012 9:19:30am

agreed yank this guy ashby was also a member of the queensland LNP just before he took the job with slipper or maybe it's just another coincidence ?The only people making here making a mountain out of a molehill are the coalition.Slipper has stood aside so that should be it while investigations are completed.grega

pete:

23 Apr 2012 11:06:23am

gee wizz grega and the yank.. lose the rose coloured glasses! - of course he was a member of the LNP - so was slippery.. the reason Gillard own's this guy is that she made him Speaker.. he's not just a back bencher in the opposition anymore. He had a shady past, Question marks over him, and she decided to make him speaker to ensure she had the numbers... it could have really paid off? it might just blow up in her face? who knows.. but the decision was hers and the labor parties and they will suffer the the good or bad that comes with it.

as far as the scandle with the young man... if its true its a similar situation as to what happened with that young lass from DJ's - what did you think of it at that time? - by all accounts this is probably worse?

as for his shady past?? did you read what he had done? perhaps slippery likes the 'bad boys' who know's... as far as Alpos comments below - the Bias for the Ashby guy's character probably stems from the fact that he is not put into 'high office', and secondly his mistakes seem to have been made when he was a young man? i for one wouldnt like to be judged on mistakes i made in my early 20's for the rest of my life? - but if i was made speaker of the Australian Parliment i would expect it reasonable that the people of Australia expect the Highest of ethical standards from me.

Boulder Boy:

23 Apr 2012 1:42:26pm

The fact that the accuser seems to have never sought to have the matter dealt with by internal process, that his first act is to secure a lawyer and a publicist, seems to be reason enough to ask questions about his credibility.

Kate Emerson:

23 Apr 2012 9:07:53am

Yes, the sexual allegations should be investigated but as Barrie Cassidy said on the Insiders on Sunday, it does seem rather all too neat doesn't it? Very timely, as they say. The other thing is, this man who is making the charges is 33 for goodness sake and can well take care of himself and apparently didn't take his complaints to anyone else first, making sure that the media were alerted first. You need give this some thought.

Alpo:

23 Apr 2012 9:22:02am

rob1966, I understand your sensitivity regarding the sexual accusations, but charging against Slipper's "character", whereas defending Ashby's "character" (especially his former problems with police) is utter and inexcusable bias. Police will go the the bottom of this and we will know the result of their investigation. The rest is just political game and if you want to play it, I am afraid you will have to play it to the full.

belzie:

23 Apr 2012 11:40:31am

It is not currently a police matter. Ashby is suing the Commonwealth Government (his employer), civilly, and part of his supporting evidence is their prior knowledge of previous Slipper sexual misconduct.Given the experience of his high profile lawyers, i would suspect he has a very good case.

poppy:

23 Apr 2012 9:26:04am

Sorry, that just doesn't wash. Many politicians from all sides of politics have been investigated and have been asked to repay funds..travel expenses, postage allowances and the like . I seem to remember that Andrew Lamming LNP, was investigated not long ago and I certainly don't remember Abbott screaming for him to stand aside pending the outcome of that investigation. In fact he voted on a number of Bills whilst under a cloud. Then there is the charming LNP Senator from SA who was convicted of assault and theft. She voted in the Senate against the Clean Energy Bills (Carbon Tax) whilst having been charged and waiting for her Court case. Then there was Malcolm Turnbull when he was a Minister and the long running HIH scandal in which he was involved... As for the s-xual harrassment case, they come up all the time and as someone has already commented.. Anwar Ibrahim comes to mind, and so does "hell hath no fury.....".

rob1966:

23 Apr 2012 10:28:07am

Your suggestion that the LNP would get a staffer of Slipper to falsify allegations of sexual harrassment is just ludicrous.

Whilst I have little respect for most politicians in this country, regardless of their political persuasion, I have enough confidence in them that they would never stoop so low as to make false allegations of sexual impropriety - noting the impact that would have on the alleged victim and the accused (and their family).

The shrill defence of Slipper (surprisingly, given his LNP background, from the usual Labor stalwarts) and claims that Abbott is responsible are bordering on madness!

Le blogeur gai:

23 Apr 2012 11:02:21am

"Your suggestion that the LNP would get a staffer of Slipper to falsify allegations of sexual harrassment is just ludicrous."

One would have thought that the Godwin Grech Ozcar fake email affair was ludicrous too, but Malcolm Turnbull and Eric Abetz were involved big time in that one, so much so that it irreparably damaged Turnbull as Opposition Leader.

It will be interesting to see if the Libs were as involved in this affair as they were in the Godwin Grech one.

Personally, I believe there are no depths so low that the Libs won't plunge.

poppy:

23 Apr 2012 11:03:52am

This is not a defence of Slipper. This is having an open mind, not immediately finding Slipper guitly of any charge made against him purely because he he is a former LNP member ( who was about to be dumped because a certain former Howard Minister wanted his seat.) who ratted on his party. As for your laudable concern for family members, perhaps a quick look back in time where varius members of both parties have had their salacoius private lives splattered all over the media, for no good reason other than point scoring by one or other party or the more blatant and disgusting use of such information to sell newspapers or gain tv ratings.

the yank:

burke:

The dog ate my surplus:

23 Apr 2012 11:07:16am

I remember the usual Labor supporters on this site all gloating at how clever their PM was when she engineered Slipper's ascension to the Speaker's role. They were all crowing at how Gillard had outsmarted Abbott yet again. Now that it has blown up in her face it's supposed to be the LNP's failing? Puhlease....

bitrich:

23 Apr 2012 8:33:01am

So the sexual harassment allegations against the Speaker won't derail him if proven?

What a sad world you inhabit Yank.

As for the Howard vs Gillard thing - Slipper was being disendorsed by the Libs when Labor took him up, just so they could stiff Wilkie on pokie reform. The Libs mightn't be covered in glory over Slipper but Labor? They are soaking in it at the bottom of the bowl.

k9:

23 Apr 2012 9:05:42am

As far as dis-endorsing Peter Slipper, the Liberal party had every opportunity to do so before the 2007, and then the 2010 election, but did not do so. No, Abbott went to his wedding, they put Slipper on important committees, and he was high up in Howards office for sometime, even when his discrepancies were bought to the attention of Howard and Co. they chose to ignore them. Now they are demanding Labor do something about it. Talk about double standards.

Miowarra:

23 Apr 2012 9:08:50am

Bitrich whined:"So the sexual harassment allegations against the Speaker won't derail him if proven?"

No. The difference is between a 'civil" matter and a "criminal" matter. Of course, even a criminal conviction with a potential gaol sentence of less than 12 months won't "derail" his Speakership either.Those are the rules, no matter whether your personal opinions and prejudices agree or not.

Horrebow:

If proven, sexual harassment allegations against Mr Slipper must certainly result in his dismissal. The Parliament cannot have one set of rules for Parliamentarians and another for the APS.

I am aware of the scurrilous case of an APS agency Head being falsely accused of sexual harassment by a female staff member for allegedly using the term "babe" to her across a table, during a work meeting, in company with other staff members.

The age difference was about 30 yrs and the agency Head was much older - (hardly the age bracket to be using such a hackneyed phrase in favour with today's younger generation)

No other staff members had ever heard the agency Head use such a term. It simply was not in his vocabulary. The allegations were denied.

They were made in order to muddy the waters in circumstances where the female staff member had been up to mischief whilst on official travel with her supervisor and was herself being formally investigated, with him. (Offence - the best form of Defence)

Due to the happenstance discovery of certain emails by her partner, she had been caught out. He referred the matter to the agency Head. Heaven knows why he couldn't deal with it himself.

The investigator into the allegations against the APS agency Head was himself a male and a very senior former solicitor. He found in favour of the female staff member, despite a lack of supporting evidence.

The term "sexual harassment" taken to such PC extremes (in such deceptive and disruptive circumstances) can be applied widely. The key dimension is whether any actions or words were "unwelcome" and declared to be so. It is an allegation easily made, with subtle potential application and nuance, but sometimes very difficult to defend.

OUB :

23 Apr 2012 10:53:54am

You describe what sounds like a ridiculous situation in the APS Horrebow but the requirements for turfing a member or Senator out of Parliament are set out in the Constitution, a document written in days when the standards were somewhat different. I hope the Head is still in place and that the investigator was just erring on the ide of caution. Odd things happen in the Public Service.

Eyes wide open:

23 Apr 2012 9:27:15am

Obviously it will be the end of Slipper if the sexual allegations are proven, but they haven't been proven yet, bitrich. So dont follow your one-sided comment by next parroting Eric Abetz who demanded yesterday for the removal of Slipper from parliament before any investigation has begun.

burke:

poppy:

Greg:

23 Apr 2012 11:16:02am

FYI, that senator was never convicted fo the foffence you assert, there was a finding that the senator committed the offence, however the magistrate exersised discreation and did not record a conviction and as such there is no conviction.

markd:

poppy:

23 Apr 2012 10:24:03am

That would be the same Eric Abetz who was proven to have been coaching Godwin Grech what to say during that hysterical beat up ,Ute-gate. He had to make a grovelling apology at that time. The sheer hypocrisy of Abbott et al, and the msm is a sight to behold. We should also be asking what was Abbott discussing over dinner with his 'mate Greg Sheridan from the Australian last week. This whole issue coming out of the blue just when the government is looking good with the Aged Care Package, and the NDIS, stinks to high heaven.

Tom1:

23 Apr 2012 9:33:15am

So you are happy with the state of affairs, so long, in your mind, Labour stinks more than Liberal. Slipper was re endorsed what, six or seven times and kept under wraps whilst it suited them.Instead of all of this confected indignation by Abbott and friends, why not wait until the matter has been professionally investigated? After all it may be another Godwin Gretch affair!

psyclaw:

23 Apr 2012 9:49:49am

BR read my post well below this.

The matter is a civil matter and the person suing alleges sexual HARASSMENT by a boss.

Whether or not the Slipper/Ashby relationship is merely worker/boss remains to be seen. One media reported that they have been sharing a room in Canberra ie flatmates or some version of this relationship.

Whilst not to be applauded, you make it seem like the accusation is of sexual, assault.

Get a grip, be patient, wait to see how much damages Ashby gets, if any.

SG Warren:

Rodman:

23 Apr 2012 7:33:13am

I don't think its as bad as you make out Anabelle. The ALP knew full well of Slipper's history, and knew it was a matter of time before this stuff would surface... it serves the ALP's interest for the Slipper issues to bought to a head here and now, rather than during an election campaign... wouldn't be surprised if the ALP are actually pulling some strings behind the scenes here...

Nonrev:

23 Apr 2012 8:24:42am

On the other hand, the string pullers may be from the Libs. After all, they haven't been able to lay a glove on the ALP in recent weeks with announcements such as early withdrawal from Afghanistan and the aged care package.

DSteel:

23 Apr 2012 8:52:58am

And I seem to remember when Peter Slipper was installed as Speaker,Tony Abbott making an unusual remark to a TV camera along the lines of "there are aspects of Peter Slipper's behavior that the Labor Party are unaware of" and "they will regret installing him as Speaker"..the exact wording escapes me but at the time I thought it sounded strange and like some kind of veiled threat.Nothing involving Abbott and his increasingly rabid pursuit of power would surprise me,except of course if he was actually the "brains" behind such a Machiavellian plot,he just isnt smart enough.

Voltaire:

23 Apr 2012 9:19:38am

Crikey, the vitriol being spewed out against Abbott in relation to this is amazing. Lets be clear, these are sexual harrassment claims being made by one of the Speaker's staff. The allegations include emails and texts which no doubt can be properly forensically examined. People may well despise Tony Abbott (maybe they should get a life), but the fact of the matter is that these are serious allegations against a man whom the PM decided to nominate as Speaker for purely political reasons and at the expense of the honourable and decent Harry Jenkins.

Patricia:

a country gal:

23 Apr 2012 1:12:29pm

Yes, but this is pure unadulterated tabloid stuff. Funny that the protest last week on gay marriage was held whilst Abbott was dining with Sheridan- and of course they swap and trade stories. Don't be so naive. The media and politics are always in bed with each other- matter of survival for both.

Me2:

Andie:

23 Apr 2012 11:45:47am

So now it is suspisious every time a politician has dinner with a journalist. Gee all those journos from Fairfax and the ABC better be careful who they have dinner with or conspiracies will fill the media.

Reinhard:

Shebs:

23 Apr 2012 9:25:35am

Ahhhh, the usual Labor attitude that Tony Abbott isn't smart, well more fool you lot! He is a Rhodes Scholar, and is well qualified in a number of areas. In terms of qualities that make him prime ministerial material, he has those in buckets over Gillard!

As for the dodgy past of Slipper, well whatever. The Libs were dis-endorsing him when Gillard decided to use him to shore up her numbers. She knew his reputation, and his inevitable dis-endoresement from the Libs, and likely believed that, if she but said so, all mud would still reside with the Libs.

Kay Gillard:

grega:

23 Apr 2012 10:43:48am

Shebs a rhode scholar in religion studies ?Also noted straight out of the boxs when this story broke on the weekend was some professor from the catholic university stating that slipper must be stood down immediately ?Pity the catholic church does not follow that line about sexual harrasment charges involving there own clergy !grega

sbc:

Stuffed Olive:

23 Apr 2012 3:07:30pm

Lost its gloss the moment Abbott gained his Rhodes with some nice references from his religious frats' top guy. What good did he do with it or with his education. He preferred life as a political thug.

toowrite:

23 Apr 2012 11:07:57am

Ahhh Shebs - you're correct in that Mr Abbott is smart. One needs to go no further than the development of catchy little slogans to establish a commanding position in the polls. And he is well qualified in the area of "attack-dog" - not a flattering term, but one often used to describe those of any political party who lead the assault on some emerging dark matter against an opponent. The Howard govt (like all govts) had several of these - but when it came to the hard-nosed occasions, the go-to man was Mr Abbott. These DNA qualities are a negative for PM material.

All will be revealed when investigations are complete - let the cards fall where they may. As you say, Mr Abbott isn't stupid - but his weakness just may be that, as an old pugilist, he doesn't like being outboxed as he was when Mr Slipper became speaker. He will do whatever is required to land a counter-punch. Even if it means being totally inconsistent with what has gone on in the past. Again, another quality not deserving of being PM.

Rodman:

23 Apr 2012 9:25:54am

Slipper's always been in some kind of drama, be it QLD LNP pre-selection issues, abuse of allowance allegations etc that date back years...

Slipper's appointment of speaker completely floored Abbott who didn't see it coming... anyway his veiled threats were to appease his own party, and were for the ALP a predictable response as they'd be expecting the dirt to be coming...

Given the timing of the allegations to trump the ALP's positive news on aged care policy, it would appear perfect timing by the Libs... or is this how the ALP want it perceived as part of their subterfuge?

jerrybrookman:

v:

23 Apr 2012 10:32:41am

Interesting DSteel. The age care announcement that is effective AFTER the election and the pull out of troops timed for the election. Gillard has a track record of lies and deceit and anyone that will trust a word she says has gone beyond rusted on. She adds a new low to the general trustworthiness of politicians.

Merlin 23:

Another Aussie:

23 Apr 2012 9:42:26am

So you say the Libs haven't been able to lay a glove on the ALP?

How soon Labor forgets what it is convenient to forget.

Less than a month ago the LNP in Queensland with the support of the majority of voters in a majority of electorates showed Labor the value of its brand by achieving a staggering 16% swing. Queensland voters are too smart for Labor. The rest of the country is now waiting for its turn.

Kay Gillard:

mac:

23 Apr 2012 7:34:00am

What is REALLY interesting is that Slipper was accused of very similar behaviour in 2003 ( remember the Howard government?) and little was said and now the same people - Abbott et al are outraged. Interesting?

brian:

23 Apr 2012 8:15:39am

It is also interesting that shortly after Abbott dines with a News Limited employee (Sheridan) in Melbourne that this story becomes news - there are a lot of rumours around about Coalition members including those of very high rank that are yet to surface.

brian:

brian:

23 Apr 2012 9:54:25am

The sexual harassment claim comes from a former LNP Staffer against a former LNP Member reported by News Limited, one of whose senior "journalists" has dinner with Abbott in Melbourne a couple of days before it is reported by a "reporter" who is renowned for doing the Coalition bidding and getting his stories wrong (Grech,Utes etc) and Abbott is not involved - give me a break.

The sooner the Libs replace him as Leader the better off they will be and so will the Country.

Pablo:

Kay Gillard:

23 Apr 2012 8:42:05am

Yes , a sign of great timing of mud slinging from Tony and the murdoch press. After the great policy announcement last week by labor which got the nod from even the liberal elders, the game plan was to go all out for Slipper. The libs have been holding on this for six years now and the opportunity has presented itself. Wait for the PM to go overseas and just by coincidence Slipper is out of the country too, adds to the effect that both are running. Slipper has stood himself down immediately, which not many commentators predicted. This has taken some of the heat out, and by chance this mud sling is found to be not much more than mud by the time Parliament sits then the heat will be back on the thrower.

poppy:

Jason:

23 Apr 2012 10:31:14am

Abbotts converted outrage is simply childish and looks like he is going to blow a puffy valve with expanded nostrils and vanes visible on the throat. He looks like a two year old in a tantrum with his blurting bluster blaming Gillard for not standing down Slipper with the implication that its all Gillards fault. The man is a fraud.

rob1966:

Amused Qld:

23 Apr 2012 8:25:12am

Difference here? The difference here is that in 2003, Slippers indescretions were obviously between consenting adults. No complaints were made by the partner. So no charge to answer. Gosh all of you people here are generally going on about tolerance and acceptance of any makeup of couples, rather than the norm. Now however, the targetted partner was not willing, and herein lies the problem. Gillard can run, but she cant hide, this has her pawprints all over it.As for the huge charges at taxpayer expense, seems Slipper has been trying this on forever. Difference this time? He has been handed one of the most important positions in the parliament by Gillard (should she have know better?)and has obviously abused them, so taken with his prominent position and self importance, he didnt think Gillard would let him be caught. Remember, it is Gillards public servants checking the charges. He thought he was home free. Thank goodness there is someone with some morals connected with this Government.

may:

23 Apr 2012 8:41:54am

The most recent accusations about Slipper where about activities when he was part of the opposition.Slipper has been a member of the Liberals and the nationals - he has never been a member of the Labour Party.Gillard needs not to hide, Abbott is the one to hide.

Jason:

poppy:

23 Apr 2012 10:33:26am

Absolutely wrong! The Parliament elects the Speaker. Abbott could have nominated someone else from his own party. He did not. Abbott is on the record as providing funds to have Pauline Hanson gaoled for fraud, and then lying in his teeth that he had nothing to do with it. Abbott has his dirty hands all over this.

Andie:

he would not have been in PArliament but for the agreement between the Libs and NAts in Qld when forming the LNP - it guaranteed automatic preselection for the next election for any sitting members.

Otherwise he would have been disendorsed. He suckered in Gillard and co to maximise his entitlements as he will be out after the next election. And Gillards desperation to stay in power meant she eagerly took of it to this result.

Jack:

23 Apr 2012 10:37:33am

Yeah Peter and I know a number of people that work in the Canberra departments including Finance. They each have their own bias that you must not talk against, but the one common theme is NEVER challenge the ALP.

enuf:

CN:

23 Apr 2012 9:13:57am

I'm confused about how you rope the Prime Minister into this. Was she directly involved? Did she arrange for the alleged victim to go through this? Did she assist in it at all? Did she have direct knowledge that these events were occurring in the manner described to the court?

And if your answer to any of these question is "yes", why aren't you coming forward to testify?

Regarding the travel charges issues; there isn't a soul in the House of Representatives who didn't know about it, including the independents who had the casting votes on whether the Speaker got the job or not, so again, I don't see how the entire blame can be landed at the Prime Minister's feet.

juliet jones:

Tom1:

23 Apr 2012 9:47:29am

Who said the complainant was not willing? The complainant, who has a doubtful history. We have a legal system to determine these issues.After Godwin Gretch, and other issues in the Liberal's history some are a bit wary of accepting things at face value. Apparently not you, innuendo will do, provided it suits your side of politics. You seem to indicate that it is ok for an ordinary member of the Liberal Party to rort the books, but not the Speaker. I would have thought that both were reprehensible.

poppy:

Cliff:

23 Apr 2012 7:34:09am

This has all the fingerprints of libs dirty tactics department. James Ashby has been found guilty of making abusive phone calls and he was investigated by police in regard to an attempt to poison a strawberry crop.

Amused Qld:

23 Apr 2012 8:41:16am

And the victims target, is someone working with Gillard. That is why they are all frothing at the mouth and attacking the victim. Depends if your Labor and rorting or abusing, then its OK. Victim be damned if you make accusations against the Gillard government or one of their toy boys.

atomou:

23 Apr 2012 8:53:33am

It's quite reasonable for one's past be brought to question his present allegations, particularly if these go to his/her character. "A prior interaction with police" most certainly begs all manner of questions.

DSteel:

23 Apr 2012 9:21:25am

Granted,the dismissal of the sexual harassment allegations by some is a little disturbing,but also as equally disturbing is the immediate presumption of guilt on both (and possibly another as of this morning) allegations.The Coalition seem to selectively ignore the right to a presumption of innocence of late despite one of their favorite mantras of due process of law.

OUB :

23 Apr 2012 11:19:57am

The Speaker is held to a higher standard than other members. That is fair enough in my view. I haven't seen the opposition asking for him to be removed from Parliament, just the Speakership. Slipper has conceded the validity of this point by standing down.

juliet jones:

Shebs:

23 Apr 2012 10:33:50am

Funny, the age of an allegedly sexually harassed woman is deemed irrelevant, yet you question it here when the alleged victim is a man

I would go to the media as well, just to make sure I wasn't faced down privately and silence demanded of me "for the good of the nation", as Gillard would say. As for the conspiracy notion that Ashby is a Liberal plant, provide evidence.

enuf:

Drum Major:

23 Apr 2012 12:35:06pm

What I make of that is that someone, in a workplace, felt that they were the victim of unwanted sexual attention, such that they considered it harrassment. Since our workplace laws deem that to be an offence, they filed their complaint with the court. Is there a law that says that they are then forbidden to say anything else to anyone else, including the media?

Alpo:

23 Apr 2012 9:29:30am

rob1966, sexual orientation has nothing to do with this, it's the person's character that should be also considered when others are already judging Slipper on issues of character. Level plain field... remember?... But what really matters is the result of the Police investigation.

Tom1:

23 Apr 2012 10:03:10am

I am a male, and I confess to having some degree of concern that a complaint of this nature should be treated with the same degree of importance, no matter whether the complainant is male of female. Surely this person could have walked away, he is a fully grown man. The only issue could be that Slipper was in fact his employer, and was in a position of power. There does not seem to be any force or restraint used. Most MEN would have punched Slipper in the mouth and found a new job.Of course previous interaction with the law is relevant.

Shebs:

23 Apr 2012 10:38:25am

You forget that the very nature of a position of power exerts undue influence. Yes a bloke could be similarly cowed, and not all men have the natural response to punch someone when they get offended. Given his orevious police record, one might suggest he is more circumspect with his respose and would not use violence.

Indeed, use of violence against Slipper could easily be turned around to make Mr Ashby the aggressor, and what Gillard minister, Labor flunky or police investigator would dare accuse the Speaker of inciting the assault?

poppy:

23 Apr 2012 11:46:39am

Shebs, the guy is 33. He has known about Slipper for years, he was introduced by a mutual friend, a local would be politician. He agreed to move in with Slipper? Why did he not just move out? Why assume that Slipper is guilty as charged. Maybe he is, maybe not. It is a valid point to refer to previous criminal behaviour, and would be screamed from the rooftops by Abbott if the boot was on the other foot.(no pun intended).

Another Aussie:

preciouspress:

23 Apr 2012 7:36:00am

The other channel referred to by Ms Crabb relies totally on material rehashed from other sources in particular from News Ltd. One channel you won't get on today's ABC is one devoted to investigative journalism with a programme such as "Is Ashby operating alone?"

CN:

Dave:

23 Apr 2012 10:30:03am

We don't need to be splitting hairs here but Julia did "recruit" Slippery Pete so she could break her promise to Andrew Wilkie. Maybe if she puts her good friends at Fairwork onto the case she won't have much to worry about for another 3-4 years

Tom1.:

23 Apr 2012 11:34:01am

May be he is Labour's problem now. But wait and see how much mud sticks to the Liberal Party. A more prudent Abbott would wait the turn of events, but his comment reveals as usual his lack of judgement.

Scott:

Hoju:

Yes, lies about new taxes, no consultation about other new taxes, borrowing money and spending it like there is no tomorrow, wasting the biggest mining boom in the history of our country.

Yes, they have done so much.

The only reason they have been passing laws is because the independents in the Lower House and Greens in the Senate know they are out of a job at the next election so are passing everything Labor sends their way for fear of causing an early election.

Putting their own self interest ahead of the interest of the country. How magnanimous.

CN:

CEF:

23 Apr 2012 10:12:31am

If you are referring to the carbon price you should look through The Australian archives to find the interview that Julia Gillard gave before the last election where she said there would be be a carbon price under her government. She has honoured that pre-election promise. Next...

Jack:

Tristan:

23 Apr 2012 11:46:25am

fact is it don't look much like a tax, it is a market based mechanism with a three year fixed price. In that interview Gillard said she was happy to call it a tax despite the fact that it technically is not. Read the whole interview next time not just the one line that you like.

Ed:

23 Apr 2012 7:43:27am

I'm not worried about the ALP hiring soap stars as much as I am about the Opposition putting cuckoos in other nests. The Slipper affair has a funny ring about it with a cast that is noticeable as much for those off stage as those in front of the footlights. And the producer/director? Could it be from the same firm that gave us that reprehensible production a few years ago featuring a politician fabricating accusations against a judge?

OUB :

23 Apr 2012 11:37:13am

Obviously Labor wasn't interested in doing any due diligence on Slipper, they just wanted a tactical advantage.

Please put up some evidence of string pulling rather than engage in grubby smears. The media seems to have been fairly balanced in pointing out Ashby's past indiscretions. Hardly the ideal vehicle for such an adventure.

Andie:

23 Apr 2012 3:07:11pm

It is not the oppositions role to save the inept Gillard government from themselves. Everyone in the PArliament knew of the rumours about Slipper but Miss Desperation Gillard grasped at anothey hollow log.

Robyn from Tas:

23 Apr 2012 7:44:29am

Everyone keeps on saying bring on an election! Well, I tend to agree. It is time. This government has just become more farcical. Not only does it have this current dilemma with Slipper, but it also has the dilemma of Craig Thomson! When is it all going to end. I keep hearing we, the public, want what Labor can deliver, I don't think so, more and more people are thoroughly dissatisfied with this government. It is time to let go Labor and call an election.

JohnC:

23 Apr 2012 8:34:41am

Yes Robyn its time. Bring on another election. The election of a Murdoch government is now well overdue. They have campaigned relentlessly since the formation of the Gillard minority government and deserve the right to rule. Even better, as they have no policies they will never be accused of breaking promises.

Kevin Wunterm:

23 Apr 2012 2:13:14pm

Oh right....so in your view of the world, when Labor is in power and have lost all support it's due to the Murdoch press manipulating public opinion, but when the Coalition are in power and have lost all support then the Murdoch press is just following public opinion. I'd laugh if it wasn't so sad.

Me2:

Fran:

23 Apr 2012 10:41:18am

I just wonder if after all the continual years of mud-raking & sabotage by the LNP whilst they've been in opposition, whether they will have set the precedent, & ruined any chance of civil mature democratic government to exist again in Australia. When Tony Abbot becomes PM, will the Labor party decide to have pay-back, & thereby cause constant disruption, accusations, set-ups, muck-raking, mud slinging? Is no act too low; so long as it causes harm to the other political party & gives them some advantage?

That said; I think that if any of the allegations against Peter Slipper are true, then he is a fool. He surely must have realised that the Liberal Party would be out to cut him down, & destroy him. You would think in those circumstances, one would be so careful about anything said or done; particularly anything written; & to be scrupulously careful to behave beyond reproach, & not give ammunition to those out to get him. How hard could that be? It is pretty depressing to see the crass behaviour of our elected representatives (of any party). Aren't there any grown-ups left in politics?

Tom1.:

23 Apr 2012 11:44:39am

I agree with all you have said Fran: I do not think that Abbott is going to enjoy the Lodge if he ever gets there. Just think of all of the angst he will cause trying to wind everything back, at the same time trying to deliver on his promises,even some of his own party consider are over the fence. There will also be that element of the public that will rail against his so called social issues when we become a non secular state. During all of this he has the problem of convincing the public that there is a modicum of sense in his "Direct Action Plan"

enuf:

OUB :

23 Apr 2012 11:53:56am

No offence Fran but if Labor reacts in the way you describe it will be pretty much business as usual. You have seen for yourself how the government has been more focused on attacking Abbott than arguing policy. That will continue. But if the Coallition win a big victory, something I don't take for granted despite the stupid story being put about by some unnamed Labor backroomer as some kind of scare tactic, then the sting will have been taken out of those attacks. You would just see hypocritical sniping along the lines of Robertson and Foley's efforts in NSW. If the Coalition wins a narrow victory, or Labor does, the nastiness will continue.

fred:

23 Apr 2012 8:50:33am

Robyn,when you let Labor go in Tasmania would you please give back the thousand plus pension rise ,also the NBN ,the nearly five million in roads over four years compared to one and a half over eleven years ,the disability laws ,the new hospitable in Tassie ,all the new school rooms and libraries some three thousand around the country compared to three thousand FLAG POLES in eleven years.i could go on but you may change your mind but that will not be until after the next election.for a full list of Labor achievements please contact Labor for the press wont tell you.

Amused Qld:

23 Apr 2012 10:18:38am

You are right, and not one red cent of the money came from Tasmanians. It is up to the other states to fund all these bribes just so Gillard can maintain rule in ONE state. I say that, because I feel the good people of SA are waking up.All that and Tasmania is still whinging!!

Kay Gillard:

23 Apr 2012 8:57:37am

Why do we need an election now for? We are only starting to flush out all those people on Tony's team. They have many secrets which they find hard to keep the lid on. If you think the current situation is entertaining, just wait for Tony's team to take control!

itsacon:

Hold your breath:

23 Apr 2012 10:26:51am

We dont need an election now, Kay. There is no breach of the constitution that stipulates an election has to be held at the whim of an opposition. Its the Coalition and its supporters screaming for one like a little kid who wants to eat cake before dinner, in a temper tantrum, tugging at his mothers skirt, screeching I want it now, mummy, now, mummy. I'll hold my breath and die, I will and then he starts to cry.

juliet jones:

23 Apr 2012 9:33:13am

On the grounds that you don't like the Government? They're irking you? Okay...that can be the new Parliamentary rule. Whenever a government gets too unpopular, an election can be called and Bob's your uncle-new government. Robyn, the government is still governing and bringing in good policies such as the aged care package. Supply is not blocked. What's your problem?

GregM:

23 Apr 2012 10:57:10am

It will be time for an election when the government can't govern - that is, pass legislation through Parliament. Hasn't happened yet, as the government is passing laws at a quite significant rate compared to governments of the last 10 years or so.

The business of government is happening quite well. But everyone is distracted by the sideshow. Stop letting people distract you and look at what is being achieved. In the end, your opinion of that should be a significant factor in how you assess a government.

toowrite:

23 Apr 2012 11:28:33am

Hi Robyn from Tas: some broad sweeping statements there, eg, more and more people are thoroughly dissatified with this govt. Maybe they don't deal with the politics well, add to that the constant pounding by the conservative media outlets - but what about all the policies of both major parties. The dissatisfaction is probably more about where you satnd on the policies - or at least I hope they are. "fred" covered a lot of it. I'm surprised that "more and more" people are dissatisfied with these achievements and wonder what it is that the "people" are looking for over and above that, and then whether that, will really be delivered by Mr Abbott, because for many years of pre-GFC growth under the Howard Coalition, it was not.

Also, what will be your position if, given that due processes are allowed to take place re Mr Slipper and Mr Thomson and they each "have their day in court" - that they are found innocent - or at least not guilty of an offence that requires their removal from parliament.

Merlin 23:

rob1966:

23 Apr 2012 10:37:57am

I didn't say that he had left Parliament, only that he has "stood aside".

Thomson should also have "stood aside". From a procedural perspective that would involve him moving to the cross-benches; ie no longer formally being a member of Labor for the duration of the investigation, or participating on any of the Committees to which he is currently appointed and paid a "bonus" for.

Kay Gillard:

Rule of Claw:

23 Apr 2012 7:48:42am

Innocent until proven guilty? Never heard of it in the media have they! Homophones and conservatives unite to bring about the downfall of an excellent Speaker; innocent until proven guilty? Not in Australian politics or media.

das :

sinic:

23 Apr 2012 8:59:21am

Indeed, "innocent until proven guilty" is simply a precept isolated to Anglo-saxon law in the criminal arena and limited to crimes as defined by statute only. It should have no larger extension, and will not be found at all in most societies. Do we really consider that Goering was guilty, having been found so by the Nuremberg Trials, whereas Hitler and Himmler, having never been tried, were not. Talk to all the victims of criminals who have seen them escape justice due to the "beyond reasonable doubt" test and the vagaries of the legal system. Every person must make their own judgement of guilt based on their assessment of guilty behaviour, the evidence they have access to and their own test. Thomson for example may not be guilty at law of any criminal act, yet may have done everything of which he has been accused - is he not going to be found guilty by the public?

Gollygosh:

23 Apr 2012 12:10:30pm

How can you judge someone you don't know? We don't know his accuser either. I will make my presumption when all the facts are on the table. Not because of my political leanings, but because I have seen people crucified before on the basis of the press reports and ultimately disproved allegations.

frangipani:

23 Apr 2012 9:02:35am

Well, I've said it before and I'll say it again: in other Parliamentary democracies such as Canada and the UK, when a Minister or equivalent is under criminal investigation, he automatically steps down from his position while the investigation is underway. And when a lower ranked MP is under investigation (ie Thomson) he is normally kicked out of the caucus for the duration. It would seem that the standards aren't quite so high here.

db:

Peter T.:

23 Apr 2012 7:50:57am

Just watched Craig Emerson on ABC News 24. That man couldn't lie straight in bed. Carrying-on about Slipper and a civil matter as if that is all that there is. He did everything he could to avoid mentioning that Slipper stood-aside because of CRIMINAL matters; not the civil matter! This is a government truly devoid of ethics.

Pablo:

das :

23 Apr 2012 9:15:34am

peter t please think this through ,would it mean that every time some one took out a writ out against a politician,leader of government or opposition they would have to loose their voting right in the house or would we create a double standard as proposed by the present opposition .they come and go with very large pensions but our democracy need to stay the course .spec savers will help.

poppy:

23 Apr 2012 2:39:30pm

I thought Emerson made the point quite well that Abbott was a total hypocrite! Think...Andrew Lamming (investigated for mis-use of funds) ...Malcolm Turnbull ( HIH)...not forgetting the charming lady Senator from SA who was allowed to vote after having been charged with assault and theft...

Phil schulz:

kevin gleeson:

23 Apr 2012 7:52:41am

I believe, as a very long time labour voter Julia deserves every thing she gets ..the way she became P.M was bad..her leadership is bad .her policies mostly bad .her one on one vote for the leadership ballot with Kevin Rudd was bad.giving Mr Slipper a man with a long list allegations and errors after his name the top lob in the Parliament was nearly a death wish, so I reckon she is a bad leader of a bad Government . I could never vote labour while she is the Leader .and I'm thinking maybe they will resurrect Mr Rudd..

Kay Gillard:

Ian:

Thats just bizarre. The government has the Lower House votes (just) and the agreement with the Greens gives them a mostly compliant Senate.

No other Opposition has come so close to ousting a first-term government since the present party structures evolved after WW2. Labor polling numbers haven't been this low since polling began.

Labor made the choice to promote Slipper, knowing his history. In line with Gillard Government practice, this was done so as to allow the breaking of promises to Andrew Wilkie without consequences, that is while maintaining a majority in the house. As many of us pointed out at the time, during all the ALP crowing here on the Drum about what a brilliant move Gillard had made, this move held inherent risks. Looks like the chickens have come home to roost.

Amused Qld:

23 Apr 2012 10:22:31am

I dont blame them( the opposition), I blame the slimy Independents who are hanging on for grim death. They know their political careers are over, and are just enjoying their moment under the lights. Gillard and Labor will discard them like dirty rags as soon as there is an election and they are far too stupid to realise that.

Anne:

23 Apr 2012 2:17:29pm

I don't believe that "you have been a Labor voter for a very long time" as a true believer would never give up the Party.You would turn your coat for abbott.........Our PM does not deserve everything she gets. Abbott has thrown everything at her since he has been the Oppistion Leader because he is jealous of Julia, he wants to PM and some of the public believes all his lies.God help this Country if he ever becomes PM and it is the likes of you that we would return to poverty.

Gollygosh:

This morning Mr Pyne, the manager of Opposition business, argued that the Speaker's position made Mr Slipper's case different to that of Mr Turnbull.

"The Speaker is the head of the House of Representatives," he said.

"I would have thought it was vitally important that that position be beyond reproach." ABC news today.

I would have thought all pollies should be beyond reproach Pyne makes it look like one rule for Libs and another rule for everyone else. This is a pot and kettle situation. And please don't deny that a previous desparate ploy by the opposition did not occur.

I don't have heroes, I realise that everyone has their own agenda in politics. Just go for the agenda that does the most for the most.

Tax Me:

23 Apr 2012 7:53:46am

Once again the government is shown up for its biggest weakness - the inability to listen and consult. As mentioned on Insiders yesterday, many of Slippers failings were well known. In fact the government was warned of them. Political expediency/necessity has bitten this government - again. I just wonder how Ms Gillard et al are now feeling about Pokies reform and their duping of Wilkie? He now holds all the aces - including the potential passage of budget legislation. Could there be another 1975 looming? This is given some potential given what Barrie Cassidy has mentioned on radio this morning that Slipper will not return to the chair until AFTER budget night. Strap on the seatbelt, history could be repeating. And the $60k question - if it were to play in a similar vain to 1975, what position would this place Ms Bryce given her family connection with the government? Many unresolved questions to many, as yet unplayed possibilities.

Drum Major:

23 Apr 2012 8:40:03am

Actually, you are wrong. All power does not rest with Wilkie. If the ALP retains the support of the Greens and the two other Independents, they still have a majority. If they lose the support of Oakshott and Windsor, then the vote would be tied and the Acting Speaker ... an ALP member ... would cast the deciding vote.

So, maybe it's just a little premature to start talking about a repeat of 1975?

Tax Me:

23 Apr 2012 2:24:06pm

There are two factors yet to play Drum The first being the "contract" that is in place between Windsor, Oakeshott and Ms Gillard. Several points within it could certainly cause angst for the government. The second being Thomson. This issue is far from resolved. And who knows what the Vic & NSW police may decide to do. Knowing someone within the HSU in Victoria in a very senior position, I can safely say "watch this space." There is much at stake in the union movt in general. The "bad old days" spring to mind!

Tax Me:

23 Apr 2012 3:04:10pm

No, you are wrong. As I said before, if Oakshott and Windsor side with Abbott, you will have a tie and then the speaker, who is a member of the ALP, casts the deciding vote.

Craig Thomson - seriously, nothing is going to happen before the next election. Please don't read that as my support for Craig Thomson - its not - but its pretty much been established that it won't have been resolved before the next election.

I agree that Gillard is going to want to avoid anything that might create a situation where the two independents might decide to support Abbott, but that's only a return to how things were when Jenkin was the speaker.

Baxter O'Brien:

23 Apr 2012 7:55:20am

It is time for a complete totally independent audit of ALL the rorts going on with our parliamentary members.What is going on is unacceptable to our morals and ethics.We are the laughing stock of the world.

Fred Murrill:

RgRedfern:

23 Apr 2012 10:43:50am

"That laughing stock of the world" quip you quoted from Abbott appears not to include the British Prime Ministery, French President, US or Italy.

My advice for Honourable members and Senators to urgently go chat with all family members no matter how distant.... next cab off the rank will be the trawling through tax returns or business papers... it is very consistent the "laughing stock of the world" is downloading campaigns from those already attempted overseas. Seriously this is very much the "copy and paste nation".... totally without an imagination... and that goes for all the happy clappy partisans from all levels...

V for Vendetta:

23 Apr 2012 7:55:56am

Tony Abbott swore revenge when Slipper left the Libs, it's payback time and the LNP have pulled every skeleton from every closet to destroy him. The did it to John Brogden too. When in the LNP you have to watch your back.

Hoju:

23 Apr 2012 9:10:32am

They shouldnt need FOI dredging. The government should make ALL documents outside of national security issues available to us all for no cost whenever we ask. And even national security issues should have a shelf-life before they are also made available.

Amused Qld:

23 Apr 2012 8:32:28am

Yes watch your back, or failing that, remain ethical and keep your hands clean!Dont have to worry about it in the Labor party though, ethics morals etc, all out the door. Do as you like, they will back you regardless, take as much money from the taxpayer as you can. Yep, you would probably feel safer in the Labor party regardless of your crime.

Reinhard:

23 Apr 2012 9:29:35am

Oh I now am "Amused" too, you say that Labors morals are out the door, but are blissfully ignorant of the fact that Mr Slipper was a member of the Lib/Nats, and was voted into parliament by Lib/Nat voters. So who has the moral high-ground now?.

Luke:

23 Apr 2012 10:43:55am

Gillard knew of Slippers skeletons from the past and even defended him at a press conference when she appointed him.She was happy to wipe his past.It was Gillards call that give him the speakers role regardless of his skeletons.She took the risk. Bad judgement by her.And as far as you have to watch your back in the LNP, if I were Gillard I'd be watching my back in the ALP. Considering their record of stabbing PM's go.

Babsie:

23 Apr 2012 7:56:32am

Poor Julia she can't win , why can't the Media see past this and look at the good she has done, and put the blame where it belongs with Mr Slipper ,if he is guilty that is ,in a few weeks this will be yesterdays news and the Government will still be doing their job , i really think come election time that Mr Slipper or Mr Wilke will make a difference to the outcome

Hermit:

meredith:

23 Apr 2012 7:57:02am

The point that should be made is that we, the public voted in a minority Government. Anyone who looks impartially at what this Government has accomplished since it took power has to concede it has achieved much, and is in the process of implementing an important aged care reform. Why is this not receiving accolades in our newspapers? Because they would rather report on the sleaze. Justice will be served on Thompson and Slipper and to be fair, any commentary by our newspapers should not adversely affect the justice they both deserve.

Rusty:

23 Apr 2012 8:26:54am

meredith,

Well actually if anyone "looks impartially" at this Gillard socialist government their only achievement is to squander $billions of taxpayer dollars with little to show for it...and the response to the GFC was to spend, spend and spend without any meaningful control or value for money...anyone can spend and waste...this why NOW they have to get ALL that money back from Labor people like you who thought that the Golden Goose was going to keep laying free money forever...

meredith:

Babsie:

23 Apr 2012 9:05:30am

Rusty do you still have a job because of their spending , get your facts right, we got through the GFC because they gave money to people to spend and boost the economy , i thank God that Tony Abbott was not running the country then or now he really should put up or shut up

GregM:

23 Apr 2012 11:06:43am

Anyone can spend and waste, for sure, but it takes a good degree of thought to spend and stop a country from going as far down the gurgler as the rest of the world. I shudder to think how a Howard/Costello response would have laid waste to the lives of working Australians - and those who had lost their jobs because of the poor response of that lazy pair.

Peter:

Krose:

23 Apr 2012 8:32:25am

The aged care reform package stopped receiving accolades on the day James Ashby went public with his allegations. Coincidence methinks not.Where are the investigative journalists of the 70s 80s and 90s? Now it is all just re-wording press releases and the sound bite that is always negative and/or fear mongering.The only time Tony Abbott couldn't be negative was the Aged Care Reform and the National Disability Scheme - even he can't be seen to deprive our aged and disabled in opposition. But if elected - a whole new ball game according to Joe Hockey.

emess:

23 Apr 2012 8:33:32am

The other point is this. The coalition has no interest in economics. At the past two budget speeches in reply, they looked like fools. (Remember Abbott flicking the 'detail' to Hockey, who flicked it to Robb, who had to be pulled out of the press conference by his minders when he did not have any 'details' - talk about the 3 stooges). I quite confidently predict that in this upcoming budget, the Coalition will also have nothing to add to the economic progress of the country.

The Coalition thus needs a diversion that will have the media scurrying off the scent of its economic cluelessness.

Similarly, the Government, needs a diversion from deep and unpopular budget cuts that are necessary to bring the budget back to surplus.

Now, if the media have the choice of seriously reporting the budget, or chasing after a sex scandal, what do you reckon the cub reporters masquerading as journalists will do? Let me think on this a nanosecond....

It all smells like a very convenient setup for both sides of politics to me. I suspect the Coalition is the one actually behind it - they have the credentials for dishonesty in politics (utegate and racist letterbox stuffing anyone?), but I reckon it also nicely suits a government about to introduce some nasties iin its next budget.

sinic:

23 Apr 2012 9:06:10am

The electorate did not vote in a minority government. It voted in a number of individual members, and no party was able to form a majority government out of the result. One party leader then bodged together an effective majority by making promises to independents that were in part not kept - thus we have a minority government not by the consent of the voters but by the commonly questionable means that are applied by politicians in the circumstances (I do not claim the LNP would have been any more eithical). There is no doubt that the expectations of the electorates of some of the independents were support of the LNP rather than Labor. A ready alternative would have been a prompt further election.

rebus:

23 Apr 2012 7:57:56am

thank you yet again for an entertaining and insightful commentary on the state on Canberra yet I would have to differ with you on one exceedingly important point:The best little whorehouse in texas this is not. It is an insult to a rollicking good fun movie with its tongue strictly in its cheek.Rather we are facing the Jerry Springer show, with hands over our eyes wondering what could possibly happen next and how on earth can they possibly be putting this to air...

Please think of the children. It is time to take them all off air. Kevin (used to be PM) & Julia (Doh) Gillard, Tony (just say no) Abbott and Joe (let's be asian) Hockey.

Like any guests on Jerry Springer they have had their 15 minutes of fame and now we need to look elsewhere.

GregM:

23 Apr 2012 11:09:41am

Can't help but notice that none of the players in this melodrama are from Canberra, just visting here. Maybe it's the rest of Australia who come here to play up? But the media shows us repeatedly the that what happens in Canberra doesn't stay in Canberra...

Fazzatwfmep:

23 Apr 2012 8:03:28am

Before everyone gets carried away with the consequences the allegations Mr Ashby has made in the Federal Court and reported initially exclusively in News Ltd there appears to be some questions concerning the role of this person has played in this issue. The question that needs to be considered and clarified was there a " honey trap" in this whole messy business and was News Ltd. involved in anyway in these allegations being made or was Mr Ashby acting totally on his own in bringing these allegations.

greg:

RedRunner:

23 Apr 2012 9:11:23am

No doubt about that, we are just having a little trouble coming up with a rational link, no matter how weak. We will also bring up that senator, whatever her name was, that was shoplifting or whatever and any other irrelevancies from ancient history that we can dig up. We will also criticise News Ltd, the agents of the devil Murdoch, for investigative journalism, and will enlist the Fairfax press and ABC, our staunch allies against Murdoch, in the attack. This crack will be papered over, don't you worry about that!

pony:

23 Apr 2012 8:05:39am

Why did they back down on their agreement with Wilkie? We all wanted pokie reforms but the govt ran scared after a bit of a campaign by the gaming industry. A campaign that could have been blown to pieces with some use of the truth (maybe too big an ask for pollies?).With the Libs picking through the trash since his appointment to the Chair, Slippery Pete was going to trip them up eventually. This government needs a drastic image change before the next election or they'll end up being the minor third party of politics.

Miowarra:

Yes, we all wanted pokie reforms as originally proposed, but they couldn't get the numbers in the house. They thought they COULD get the numbers for the lesser deal and they still believe it's better to back away, rather than be defeated on the floor of the House.

That's a political choice and I think it's the wrong one. Take the hit and there's half your re-election campign ads already.

SAH:

23 Apr 2012 8:43:32am

They did not have the numbers in the House to pass the legislation - the Opposition, Oakeshott, Windsor and Katter would not vote for it. It would not pass.

Wilkie did nothing to prosecute his case. Sat on his hands relying on threats to the Government. The Government had to compromise to get something in place. What do we get from Wilkie? Vindictive sniping from the side and joining with the Opposition. Who by the way would NEVER vote for the reforms he wants.

That man has gone down in my estimations. He's the one who keeps talking about integrity which he has demonstrated he lacks.

Doug:

23 Apr 2012 9:21:12am

Windsor was against mandatory pre-commitment, but open to the idea of $1 maximum bets. It seems likely that if the government were actually interested in pokie reform (i.e. hadn't been so terrified of a marginal seat campaign by the Clubs), they would've been able to hammer out some kind of meaningful legislation (probably with substantial exemptions for regional areas, and a bit of pork on the side) that could pass the House.

GregM:

23 Apr 2012 11:13:15am

And Wilkie wouldn't compromise to something that Windsor would agree to. I odn't know whether the numbers to get a $1 maximum bet law up were there, but getting Windsor onside but losing Wilkie sounds like it is immediately no benefit in getting a law in place.

Doug:

23 Apr 2012 12:11:41pm

$1 bets were what Wilkie originally wanted, though. He switched to backing pre-commitment because that's what the government was (apparently) willing to support. It seems unlikely that he wouldn't have backed a deal to get his original preferred option through.

TPG:

SG Warren:

23 Apr 2012 2:21:10pm

Agreed. They should have put the pokie laws to the house.

Who knows, maybe a Liberal member with a conscience would have voted it through.

But if they hadn't then Australia would have know exactly where every member in Parliament who voted against it stands in relation to problem gambling and could have chosen to vote accordingly next election.

Tax U Bet:

toowrite:

23 Apr 2012 11:55:49am

Why the back down on pokie reforms? I'd say because a powerful industry - gaming, backed by a powerful media - Murdoch presses, right-wing radio jocks and commercial TV stations (remember the "footy-tax" comments on rugby league games) - and an effective opposition leader in Mr Abbott who is good at sniffing the political wind, being pretty silent on the issue, accept to turn up, once again, at a public forum where he will be treated well as he speaks what they want to hear.

Very hard to get the truth out on these matters - even though it all originated with a Productivity Commission report with all the facts and figures you really need - when the groups above combine - it's called collective power and influence. We all know the other examples. Most are littered with the misrepresentation of facts. If we all wanted the pokie reforms Pony, then we all need to campaign for them. At the moment, it is the Govt against all the BIG guys, on their own.

TPG:

Drum Major:

23 Apr 2012 9:01:35am

They want to donkey vote but they also want to complain about the state of Australian politics? comments like this really give me the ....

People need to think carefully about their vote and they also need to remember that being asked to take a position in relation to the running of their country once every three years is a privilege that many would die to have.

Bob42:

toowrite:

23 Apr 2012 12:04:19pm

Never thought I'd say it Drum Major - but I'm with you on this one. I gather the original comment was meant to be light-hearted (well I hope so) - but it does raise a serious matter. Everyone should cherish their right to vote. Just look at countries overseas and their fights for democracy. If I recall correctly, last Fed Election in 2010, the informal vote (as opposed to a donkey vote), almost doubled. Be that as it may, fortunately in Australia, we still have a solid democracy which has been served well by all parties - our standard of living has continually improved over the decades.

enuf:

Drum Major:

23 Apr 2012 2:16:19pm

Personally, I believe in compulsory voting. There are lots of things in democratic countries that you have to do - for example, in Australia you have to drive on the right hand side of the road - so I don't think that being asked to vote once every three years is too much to ask.

Once upon a time I thought it should be voluntary ... and then I saw black people in Africa running to the polling stations for the right to vote in their own country. I realises then how privileged I was to have to take an interest in who governs my country.

That said, I actually don't think we are that badly served by our politicians. No matter what industry you come across there are some bad eggs, but most work hard and are committed to trying to make this a better country. I might not agree with what one side says is the best way to do that ... nonetheless, I don't think that any politician is really out to 'get' any of us.

patarus:

23 Apr 2012 8:07:23am

one can't help but reflect on their own previous posts and understanding of the fragility of this government and the fact that it is "only a matter of time" for its demise.

whether it is an "affair" or a "rort" or an "indiscretion" or a "death" or an "illness" or a "change of party leadership" or an "independant spurned" coupled with a government devoid of numbers is a government at risk.

of course Labors' only line of defence is attack Tony. Emerson reinforced that tactic when questioned this morning.

this monotonic diatribe really is "the boy that cried wolf syndrome" - eventually its polarity is reversed and people realise that you can't blame Tony for your woes and it is the "pot calling the kettle black " when you own economic credentials as responsible economic management is a self vilification of waste and self induced debt.

Get over the GFC the excuse is the cat out of the bag.

Labor may be planning a surplus yet its main weakness is its lack of surplus in its numbers. We can only imagine that this Labor soapy will have its mandatory disaster and we can move onto the main game and change for the better.

emess:

23 Apr 2012 8:39:51am

The government survived over a year and passed hundreds of bills in just the present situation numbers wise. Sure, they lost Wilkie (maybe), but the coalition has lost Slipper's vote to compensate. Thus it comes down to the speaker's vote, just like in the first year of this parliament.

Kay Gillard:

TPG:

23 Apr 2012 10:03:03am

The greatest show...

We must thank the production crew/directors and all other vested interests...in the end a waste of "taxpayers money" how many 10's of millions have these groups written off in "tax deductibility" for this campaign?

Michael:

23 Apr 2012 8:12:49am

I listened this morning to sage comments made by Tony Windsor. It is a pity, that instead of the ritual genuflection to due process the media takes on these matters, it does not do what Windsor does and that is not make a judgement but actually leave it to the courts to decide. As Windsor pointed out that he had not read the documents - such honesty is refreshing when probably only one in a hundred of the journalists reporting on this has also not read the documentation but that does not stop them rushing to judgement. Windsor also invoked history - not the 24 hour new cycle - to try to bring some perspective to this issue. However this seem to bemuse the journalist interviewing him. What had experience, information and careful consideration got to do with this? One can but shake one's head at the state to which the national broadcaster has sunk.

enuf:

Terry2:

23 Apr 2012 8:13:28am

It seems that Peter Slipper's greatest faux pas is to believe that behaviour acceptable as a Liberal backbencher is acceptable as an independant. Whilst clasped to the bosom of the Liberal party he was a protected species but that is no longer the case: again, the whiff of hypocrisy hangs over our parliament.

Rhonda:

Fully awake:

23 Apr 2012 8:14:15am

On December 15 2010 in the SMH, Julie Bishop wrote an titled A disturbing precedent in which she stated As a student in the 1970s I recall studying criminal law in my first year at Adelaide University Law School. I learnt that a fundamental principle of criminal law in Australia is the presumption of innocence. She then went on to attack Juilia Gillards response to the public release of United States diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks as being so disturbing and then went on to say Julia Gillard is a trained lawyer and must have been well aware of the ramifications of what she said. Yesterday, Eric Abetz, also a trained lawyer said that Mr Slipper should be removed from Parliament due to the issue swirling from him. It only proves that politicians from both sides of politics, who studied law, must have taken a nap in some lectures.

swinging voter:

23 Apr 2012 10:47:54am

Gillard's comment in 2010 was a mistake at the time.

In relation to your assertions against Bishop and Abetz, you are confused. Of course Slipper has a right to silence and is innocent until proven guilty and other rights as well. The question is whether he should stay at his post in the meantime is a different issue.

Fully awake:

23 Apr 2012 11:27:45am

You are confused. Here are the facts. Slipper has denied all allegations and also said, quote, "I believe it is appropriate for me to stand aside as Speaker while this criminal allegation is resolved" - in a statement to the media. This was not enough for Abetz who demanded that Slipper should be removed from parliament as he, Abetz, is not satisfied which the standing aside decision.

custard:

23 Apr 2012 8:14:57am

Again we see the unintended consequences from a decision made by Gillard and Labor in their deceitful rule of this country. We now have analysis that would see the coalition gain a majority in the senate at the next election, which would mean the abolition of the carbon and mining taxes.

Why don't they just fall on their sword now before confidence is totally undermined?

Kane:

23 Apr 2012 9:19:17am

Slipper is a liberal not a labor.

Who nominated him selected him for his seat? Tony Abbott and the conservative voters in his electorate. He came with the liberal stamp of approval, certifying liberal standard.Why?Will slippers electorate trust liberal preselection again? Yes!They are conservo voters, either to gullible to know, or too immoral to care.

custard:

Le blogeur gai:

Get used to it. Gillard and Labor successfully negotiated government and Abbott didn't. Nothing deceitful about it.

I wouldn't get took cocky just yet.

First of all, Abbott has to win the next election and they're never guaranteed.

Secondly, control of both Houses is rare, but in the most recent example where Howard got a one seat majority in the Senate, he abused that control when he said he wouldn't. Two examples being: (a) The sale of Telstra - opposed by 70% of the population; and (b) WorkChoices - something for which Howard did not have a mandate.

You'd better hope like hell that the Coalition's fingerprints are not all over this Slipper beatup!

psyclaw:

John:

23 Apr 2012 11:52:01am

OK, pysclaw, here are some more facts for you.

The Coalition have called several no confidence resolutions in parliament over the last 20 months. Why have they all failed? Like the majority of the electorate they no longer have any confidence in the government but they are held up by the Green member Bandt and the three independents Windsor, Oakeshott and Wilkie.

Windsor would sell his backside to keep himself and Gillard in power even if Gillard was going to put those that oppose her policies into concentration camps. Oakeshott is an air head who should be Green and both he and Windsor now have lost the confidence of their electorates who are shining up their baseball bats, desperate for an election.

Wilkie has seen what Gillard is really like when it comes to keeping faith when she can shore up numbers elsewhere aka Slipper's appointment, so its payback time with him.

The Liberals have been trying to get rid of Slipper and replace him with Mal Brough (who will be a great member) for a long time and their intentions to do so at the next election is no secret. But they had no legal reason to force him out so what should they have done, refuse to accept his vote? Slipper has known of all this for some time and that he was facing disciplinary action and party expulsion. He therefore jumped the gun and leapt out of the frying pan into Gillards fire.

Whatever happened in Howard's time is ancient history. The question is what happens now? I suspect that Labor will reap what they have deliberately sown fully understanding but ignoring the implications.

groucho not karl:

23 Apr 2012 8:17:55am

like you Annabel, I had to Google "twink". Who knows such a word? (Well I guess you and I both do now!)

Julia, I think we should go with the "pokie reform" again to secure the independent vote. We could have a massive change of heart, a road-to-Damacus moment, and promise Andrew what he wants. At least he is a man of integrity it would seem, who probably also had to Google the word "twink". Of course, with the possibility of a 74-74 split vote, if you wree Kevin07, which way would you vote - in a final act of revenge.

Drum Major:

GregM:

23 Apr 2012 11:18:06am

And there's no reason to believe that the numbers in Parliament, understood to not support what Wilkie wants, have changed. So promising to deliver what can't be delivered won't keep Wilkie on side. No win for anyone.

Reinhard:

Ian:

23 Apr 2012 12:45:18pm

In fact it's an interesting question - which choice of electioneering material will the LNP make in New England at the next election? Peter Slipper, Craig Thomson, the carbon tax or something else?. I'd love to see the polling on that.

peter:

23 Apr 2012 8:21:38am

Unfortuantely apart from the media and those who can still bear to watch the 'news' in this country the Slipper affair is irrelevant.Most of the population have by now realized that politicans are inherently corrupt what with their travel expenses,parliamentary allowances,pensions etc.So Slipper's behaviour isnt newsworthy and merely encourages cynicism around the debasement of standards that everyone now expects from public life.So its merely a matter of getting on with trying to emulate our leaders through graft,theft and lying.

Gary:

23 Apr 2012 8:22:30am

So ... which party did Peter Slipper belong to when the alleged issues arise? And who was led that party at the time? Who managed party responsibilities then? And since when does hearsay become public property that "media" (more like, 'media tools') just seem to latch on to like schoolyard boys, or leeches, or pack animals?Mind you, it is odd that the Labor Party haven't yet worked out the LNP strategy that they can pre-empt such weak form of political gamesmanship.

Kay Gillard:

simon:

23 Apr 2012 8:25:13am

Tony Abbott served with Peter Slipper over a long period. As leader he was quite content to rely on his vote and would continue to do so if it meant securing a change in government. Suspicious timing for another News Limited sleaze beat up. Due process has not been followed and the presumption of innocence has been ignored.

frangipani:

23 Apr 2012 8:56:14am

The presumption of innocence applies in courts of law; however, it is standard practice for MPs who are the subject of criminal investigations to step aside from any positions they might hold for the duration of the investigation. And so far as I'm aware, the material in question has all been tabled before the Federal Court, so I'm not sure why you think "due process" has not been followed.

SG Warren:

Lloyd :

23 Apr 2012 8:25:13am

I find it extraordinary that the press has fallen fall for this hook line and sinker. It is such a classic coordinated Murdoch political attack on the Government, straight out of the UK playbook right down to the 'gay sex' allgations. The fact that it's been pushed by Steve Lewis who was the journalist who was most responsible for pushing the now discredited utegate and Godwin Grech falsehoods doesn't seem to be raising the alarm bells it should.

OUB :

23 Apr 2012 2:26:43pm

So what is your issue Lloyd? Do you think this is some kind of a fabrication? Is this something that is exaggerated? Is this behaviour something that should be ignored? On what basis is it better that apparently dishonest dealings with public moneys and abuse of a position of power not be talked about? Is it only because Slipper is now Gillard's glove puppet that he should be above reproach?

Kay Gillard:

Alpo:

23 Apr 2012 9:45:34am

"Gillard's reputation and that of labors has a putrid stench about it that will never leave."... your mind. Of course, chipinga, of course. And whilst your mind is engaged in such edifying thoughts the Gorvernment enacts their program for the benefit of ALL not just a few.

Kay Gillard:

David:

23 Apr 2012 8:33:27am

If the media thinks Im sitting on the edge of my chair waiting for the next installment of the Peter Slipper Chronicles they are sorely mistaken. As a ratings blockbuster this doesnt even come close to re runs of Adam 12.

John:

23 Apr 2012 8:37:56am

Isn't it sickening to listen to the Tamworth town gossip who tittle tattles like a washerwoman broadcasting every private word he has ever had with Tony Abbott and then greedily accepts every last lick from the pork barrel him he can squeeze out of Julia Gillard?

And now his electorate, who must all be tearing their hair out in frustration despite the Labor sweeteners in how they are being misrepresented, have to listen to him becoming the chief defender of sleaze.

Yes, we all respect the law Mr Windsor, what we do not like is hypocrisy, betrayal and the "ANYTHING it takes" principle. We also know that you are fond of talking about backsides. Don't know about Tony Abbott, looks you would sell yours a dozen times over to allow both you and Gillard to hang onto your faltering grip of power.

Omg:

23 Apr 2012 8:38:03am

Sadly, we have to face facts.....when Gillard and the esteemed Factions knifed our elected Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, we moved to the gutter...then on to the sewer with Slipper as Speaker....how low can we slide....Australia deserves better...where are you Quentin???.

old chestnut:

jaycee:

23 Apr 2012 8:41:54am

Oh, Annabelle..I can't believe how good and thouough a journalist you are!...Why you haven't walked away with a dozen or so Walkley Awards shows how biased the judges are!...Keep up the wonderful, wonderful writing!

kazann:

23 Apr 2012 8:42:44am

Why do we bother with investigations and courts in this country?It seems kind of redundant now that politicians via the media believe it is their place to decide who is guilty and what should be their punishment. Mr Slipper has stood aside as it appropriate in the circumstances. The appropriate people are now looking into each matter. The opposition should allow our innocent until proven guilty system to take its course rather than its loud and public I'm the judge and jury and here is my sentence approach.

atomou:

23 Apr 2012 8:44:28am

One gets the distinct impression that politicians and corruption make a marriage as perfect as that of goat and oregano.They ought to have learnt by now that political "trickery" has a tentative and very limited shelf life; but, alas, they haven't.

oportoj:

23 Apr 2012 8:48:33am

Listened to Fran on ABC National; yet again the ALP and apologists here seem to think the Aussie public are quite okay with the nonsense of " It is all Abbott's doing": Greens/Labour are in Government If you are so rotten that you must be supported by such scum then the carrion stench attaches itself to this government alone. Just like " Who farted in the elevator?" Don't blame the dog; when it was clearly you.

Hermit:

Tim8:

23 Apr 2012 8:51:08am

I think you & everyone else here are missing the import of Slipper's resignation. By "stepping aside" Slipper is really placing himself on the market for the highest bidder.

If Gillard would protect him, like she does that other lecher Craig Thomson, then Slipper would cast his oh-so-necessary vote in her favour. She has to buy off that Ashby bloke 1st and get him to retract his claim & suit. And why not? Gillard paid $10BILLION for that 1 Green Adam Bandt's vote. She bought the 3 Independents Windsor, Wilkie & Oakeshott with God-only-knows what. So 1 more pay-off would be nothing new and certainly less expensive than $10billion + 1 Carbon Tax!!

Of course Slipper would also be open to any offers from Abbott. If he & Wilkie were to throw in their lot with the Opposition now then the ALP will be wiped out "Anna Bligh fashion" in an election. If Fed ALP is wiped out, an entire generation of ALP Career Unionist Apparatchiks will also be wiped off the map. The opportunity now to destroy the ALP brand for the next 8-12yrs or so is incredibly tempting to Abbott & the LNP. So they can offer the same to Slipper and much more as well. If the LNP is the next Govt then Ashby can be bought off and Slipper can be posted as Ambassador to Guyana in order to maximise his pension etc. And of course the LNP will not field a candidate against Wilkie. Or he can join Slipper in the region as Ambassador to Haiti for example.

Yes, Slipper has placed himself on the market with all bids considered. Watch carefully as he "slips" past this scandal. Then we should ask the question as to WHO was the highets bidder!!

brian:

23 Apr 2012 8:51:31am

The moral outrage promoted by an organisation (News Ltd) is laughable when there are 50 people under arrest in the UK for phone hacking,bribery etc who are mostly their current or former employees.It is now time for real "journalists" to report on the well known facts on the lives of other politicians including those who occupy positions in VERY high places in the Coalition or is it all to close to home.

Ian:

Reinhard:

23 Apr 2012 9:50:18am

Mr Slipper was a Parliamentary Secretary, whip and a committee chairman in the Howard government, so if any party should "think long and hard about the quality of people in their party," it should be your beloved Liebral / Nutionals..

Bob:

23 Apr 2012 8:57:21am

Sad to say that I am one of the many that switch off on anything said by labor or Gillard. I know that is not right, but this govt has stuffed up so many things ( the list is to long todetail here) that I no longer have any confidence or trust in anything it does or sayes.

Thelma:

vince:

23 Apr 2012 9:08:04am

Aren't you all just sick to death of all the political drama?Sick to death of all the political spin.Why not just let the government govern and judge them on what they deliver. If the next election does not deliver Australia from this Sons and Daughters drama I am changing chanells.

Wining Pom:

Soames:

23 Apr 2012 9:08:35am

I'd have thought "twinks or bears" referred to those small animal shaped biscuits popped into the kids' lunch boxes at the last moment before the lid drops, a gesture of misguided but understandable love which if practised regularly could result in one's child at teenage dating level, having a mouth like a smokers' gob, the photo of which on cigarette packets is revolting. No..., not that sort of "twink" or "bear" one similarly found out, and more revolting than that smokers cakehole.

The unmentioned public broadcaster's symptoms, one would offer could, if handled by a lincoln lawyer, ferreting for a precedence, come up with The Three Faces of Eve as a defence theme.

No doubt this government has accomplished some good works, but there's little doubt it's climbing the greasy pole and heading down the slippery slope consecutively, while dancing with the 'stars', in these semi-finals.

toady:

23 Apr 2012 9:10:20am

You're right Annabel it's a soap opera alright. But then politics always has been to a large extent. I can't help but feel that this time, in Abbott, the soap opera is being reviewed by one of the harshest, most self interested critics ever known. I speak to died in the wool Libs regularly, I have a business and live in Qld after all, and the grassroots hatred that the opposition has managed to engender over this parliament is stunning in its viciousness and beyond anything I've seen before. Sure, Labour are often naive in getting their views out there and countering the constant, seemingly endless attacks. They have been unable to cut through despite some competent policy development and legislative achievements against all odds in the parliament. But now we have a government teetering on the edge because of allegations which were not fully investigated when they were first made under Howard's (and Abbott's) watch. Yet another Abbott cruelling tactic.

This is not an opposition whose intention is to hold the government to account, this opposition's sole intent is to bring the government (duly elected by our law and constitution no matter what people often think) crashing down. I ask all out there, what will happen when the Abbott government is finally installed as it surely will be? What policies will he renege on - as he surely will have to judging by his mickey mouse funding figures? What underhand tactics will be employed to paint himself in the best possible light? With the 2 houses under his control I can only see an end to our socially responsible democracy. Yes, the economy might get an initial boost of confidence but then what? As he WILL be the next PM it is time now to hold Abbott to account and put his policies and objectives under the microscope.

Alpo:

23 Apr 2012 9:13:33am

Annabel, I think it's about time that you start lifting your journalistic game. Keep the humour if you must, but add more substance. For instance, I didn't read the words "James Ashby" in your article. Why? I didn't read anything about his character and previous troubles with police. Why? Did he ever borrow Peter Slipper mobile? Is anybody investigating any meeting, phone call, email messages between Ashby and members of the Liberal Party previous to the formal accusations against Slipper? ?... I am fully confident that the police will investigate, in full, as they always do and the truth, whatever it is, will surface ... in the meantime the Government works hard for the long-term benefit of ALL, not just a few, whereas the opposition continue reading chicken entrails to seek advice for what to do next... Pathetic!

Sue:

23 Apr 2012 9:15:18am

"The Gillard Government is now functioning like a deeply confused public broadcaster."

Glad to see that you are writing what we have all observed, about the ABC.The so called "balance" where the IPA and News Ltd are featured relentlessly on news channels and articles straight from News Ltd posted on-line.

Gondwana Lad:

23 Apr 2012 9:21:18am

What a relief for Australias media!

Instead of having to try and understand or explain to the public complex policy changes in Aged Care, or discuss Joe Hockeys key point re the future nature of entitlements, or even muddle around what should be in the Budget? ....instead a nice juicy scandal.

Phew! For a moment there it looked like our journalists were actually going to have to get their heads around policy.

But they have been saved. News Ltd and the LNP dirt unit have set the public discourse for the next few weeks.

Regime change Version5. Thank god for that.

Our media can revert to back to the same old same old. Wallow around in mud, pick up the Telegraph or Herald Sun each morning for their news tips and angle of the day. No questioning, so scrutiny of what is behind all this.

kazann:

This Smells:

23 Apr 2012 9:57:07am

What I can see happening and will be very very interesting if the media will carry on like they have against thompson and slipper. Slipper was a member of the LNP, he will have a fair bit of background on many many LNP MPs and their dealings..OH I love a broad church as Abbott put it. Wait and see, some interesting leaks about the LNP dealing will be coming out into the open very soon. I believe most if not all of the LNP MPs will be crapping themselves, There are already very high rumblings in the LNP regarding Abbotts constant attack dog and basically slanderous tactics..Remember What is thrown around comes around..I bet Mr.Slipper will be opening that old bank deposit box and leaks will be forthcoming..but the real question will be this..will it be reported the same way as thompson and slipper or will it be on page 50 in small print..I think very very small print.

Reinhard:

Mog57:

Meanwhile the Aged Care legislation will go forward as will the NBN and Health will progress.

Never mind that though, the Press Gallery have a new person to abuse of their rights as set down in Magna Carta.

What care Abbott and the Libs or the Press about innocent until proven guilty when it is not one of theirs.

This is the PMs fault no matter what.No matter that this man Slipper is a 28 year conservative, a Liberal for over 15 years.No matter that his colleagues have known about his habits and hid them until it was politically usefull.

What does that say about Abbott. In 50+ years I have never known a more dishonest or manipulative politician than him, he reeks of his mentor B A Santamaria.

Doug of Armidale:

23 Apr 2012 9:33:06am

A government of clowns and misfits, cobbled together from a failed campaign after the event. Sign up anybody that could be bought at a price that Abbott would not consider paying. And the PM is praised for negotiating skills. The voters revenge will be so savage.

psyclaw:

Let's be clear about this. Mr Ashby is suing Mr Slipper in a civil, not criminal court, for sexual harassment.

Note the word "harassment"!

Listening to Abbottt and the media over the last 36 hours, there has been a concerted campaign to characterise the matter as (a) criminal and (b) sexual assault.

A frenzy, including this lightweight effort by the lightweight Ms Crabb has ensued.

No-one knows the facts yet, other than that Mr Slipper allegedly propositioned Mr Ashby in regard to leaving the shower door open.

And, according to some media reports, the two men were sharing the same domicile at the time. One report said they were sharing the same room.

One relationship between the pair appears to be that of boss and employee. Sexual harasment in the context of this power relationship is invariably exploitative, wrong and illegal.

However this this primary relationship appears to have been superceded by a relationship as "flatmates" or "roomates" or even sexual partners.

In the worst light, Mr Slipper as a boss has propositioned a worker to "leave the shower door open". The worker is not a naive, young, vulnerable person and he has been prepared to live in the same house as Mr Slipper, or have Mr Slipper live in his house.

The level of proof in civil matters is a low threshold "on the balance of probabilities" ie is it 50+% more likely that it happened than that it did not. It may well be that the judge finds that it did happen.

But the key to what the judge really thinks will be the level of damages awarded, if any. In deciding this, Mr Ashby's conduct will be examined too.

There is a powerful legal adage "only those with clean hands can seek equity". There is much to be known yet as to how clean Mr Ashby's hands are.

Those commenters still in a frenzy ought listen to the wise words of Mr Windsor to Fran Kelly on Radio National today. As he calmly points out in his own logical style, there is many a slip twixt the cup and the lip.

Ozbunyip:

23 Apr 2012 9:45:34am

The onl real disappointment is your apparent glee, that you see australian politics as nothing more than a soap box drama, and as you've pointed out that people such as yourself cannot be bothered with the truly great and good things done by this govrnment, maybe seeing middle class hand outs, your personal nanny, health, education stripped and infrastructure left to flounder once more that, then you'll trully be able to kick back and enjoy yourself? Or we might see some decent articles and journalism that take the opposition to task and the government achievements acknowledged, but then where's the fun in that Annabel?

karma:

23 Apr 2012 10:03:21am

Instead of showing the picture of Slipper in the seat, you should have shown the picture of the gleeful ALP members escorting him to the chair. Even then the LNP were not happy with him because of the baggage he was carrying. Then again he is a mate of Kevin RUDD and this might be Rudds revenge. I know this is an ALP site because the first thing they do is blame ABBOTT.

rudy:

23 Apr 2012 12:28:17pm

Yes, karma, the LNP were so unhappy with Slipper they kept making him their candidate election after election. People are not stupid, they can see that both sides are dirty by association with Slipper. If there was true karma in politics, a lot of people would get theirs.

realist:

23 Apr 2012 10:05:10am

The usual suspects are once again out in force, blaming the entire Slipper affair on some kind of Abbott/LNP consprisacy. Even with the presumption of innocent until proved guilty there must be some smoke for the police to be invovled and the staffer to bring charges. Regardless of the outcome Slipper is deeply damaged and a severe embrassment and handicap to Gillard. Gillard should have done some very sweeping background checks before sacking Jenkins and installing Slipper. If Slipper is guilty, then Gillard is in deep merde, with only herself to blame. Wonder how she will get out of this one and who she push the blame to.

GregM:

23 Apr 2012 11:32:11am

Jenkins resigned. He may have been asked to resign, but he wasn't sacked.

The police aren't involved in the civil case being bought against Slipper. And the police aren't involved in questions (not findings) of misuse of Cabcharge, either. It may very well be that the police won't be involved in either matter, because they don't need to be.

As to people trying to push the blame elsewhere - hello, Tony Abbott! Apparently Slipper was so bad that the Libs weren't going to preselect him to run for Parliament next year - no matter how many times they had done so before! Talk about wanting to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted...

frangipani:

realist:

23 Apr 2012 2:56:59pm

Jenkins may have resigned, however it was not willingly, it was a job he loved doing and he did it well. You may not call it getting the sack when your boss wants to give your job to somebody else because doing so would make your boss's job safer and you did not want to go but had no choice, however anybody in that position would call it the sack, which it was. The police are invovled in some aspects of the Slipper case. As for deflecting blame, Hello, Abbott warned Gillard that Slipper was damaged, howeer she took the risk to protect her job. The libs wanted Slipper out at the lasr election, however due to deals that parties enter into, they where stuck with him for another term. Can you image the jubilation when the realised that there was a sucker to buy a used car from them. They ALP dyamited the door off the hinges to let him in.

Reinhard:

Helen :

23 Apr 2012 10:08:50am

1. Innocent until proven guilty.2. The Australian people voted and we got what we deserved.3. Fortunately or some say unfortunately, the Independents would not have the bar of the Tony Abbott and his ilk.4. Past events show only too well what the Liberal Party will do to fulfil their "born to rule" mentality.5. A fair trial at this stage, if it comes to that, is questionable.6. The downfall of the Gillard Labor Government, oh bring it on. IF the Liberals actually win, then the circus will well and truly be in town. Bad luck for "the lucky country", though great for the miners et al.

Frank:

23 Apr 2012 3:20:01pm

1. I feel for Mrs Slipper in all of this (I think).2. Some of the Australian people got what they deserved, the rest just have to put up with it and hope the next election opportunity will turn out better.3. A lesson in this is don't get sucked in by independants claims next time around. Anyone who thinks an independant is bringing a political advantage to their electorate is only fooling themselves or pandering to some pet cause.4. Conservatives always seem to build credits before spending and Labor always seems to spend their way into favour. Go figure, but for mine reckless and foolish waste of other peoples monies (public or otherwise) warrants expulsion.5. A fair trial yes, sadly it probably wont be an expedient one.6. "The lucky country" has a few bugs to bear, and one is this crappy preferencial voting system that every so often give us a political situation a majority would gladly do without.

Rhonda:

23 Apr 2012 10:18:56am

This is another beat-up by the Libs (a la Godwin Grech). James Ashby knocked Peter Slipper back twice when he was offered a job, yet once Slipper became Speaker he not only accepted the position, but he resigned from the Liberal Party to do so.

From then on, he chummied up to Slipper (read the texts), documenting events, and the result is the outcome the Libs had hoped for - straining the government numbers (not to mention payback for Slipper as an extra bonus).

The 'proverbial hit the fan' right on cue. It had been a good week for the government: Tony Abbott's bipartisanship on the NDIS, the troops withdrawal from Afghanistan and the well-received Aged Care Reform. What better time to muddy the waters?

Michael:

23 Apr 2012 10:21:09am

It's amusing that Annabel Crabb likes to talk of the "soap opera" as though this is something that she is above, yet her wrting thrives on reporting such gossip, while any policy analysis is rare and shallow.

CEF:

23 Apr 2012 11:00:40am

Agree. Policy analysis is just too hard (oh, and soooo boring). Also it just might mean that something positive would need to be said about the Labor government and that does not fit the 'Labor bad' and 'Labor incompetent' memes.

Ima Dill:

23 Apr 2012 11:13:04am

Yeah, let's not mention that Julia will not allow a carbon tax in any government that she leads. Let's not examine her motivation for promising that, nor let us examine the real reason she went back on her word. The ridiculous nonsense that surrounds Labor going right back to the Kevin Rudd back-stabbing incident by Bill Shorten and Mark Arbib (with Paul Howes consent) are Annabel's soap opera talents at work. Funny that, I thought Labor were writing the script. Like any good soap opera, we punters cannot predict what Labor will deliver in the next episode. Fortunately, the punters will get to vote on the soapie late next year. That the scoreboard that will interest me. Julia is not too happy with the current 30% polling, what is she doing to get above 30%? Stay tuned, Michael, Labor hasn't finished with us just yet!

Kay Gillard:

shortmemories:

23 Apr 2012 10:25:07am

Soap opera or a political dirt campaign like Australians have never seen before?

I have unfortunately, whilst working in the US for ten years. And that is the galling thing for me. US style politics, even at local level can become sickening in its muck raking and dirt finding to discredit an opponent. This was one aspect I never wanted to see become entrenched in Australian politics where the end justifies the means.

Double standards of the Liberal Party is the reality here. The Howard government was riddled with ministerial and backbencher, indiscretions, questions over perks and entitlements and more importantly undisclosed interests/income and conflict of interests. Perhaps Tony Abbott and the Liberal Party should think of the implications of living in a glass house and what goes round comes round.

OUB :

Glen:

23 Apr 2012 10:27:36am

I'm not sure I see what has really changed.

Slipper is an independent, now. No longer expected to vote with the Opposition on anything. He hasn't stepped aside from parliament, just from the Speaker role, and only until the allegations are resolved.

And since Slipper's Speakership won't continue if there's a vote of no confidence that gets through, I'm betting that Slipper will side with the government on any such motion. As such, the parliamentary count doesn't change at all.

Even if Slipper does recuse himself from all votes, essentially recusing himself from parliament until it's resolved, the government only loses one vote, not two, and so Wilkie doesn't become the deciding vote at all. It still lies with Bandt, Windsor, and Oakeshott.

Glen:

23 Apr 2012 12:27:35pm

Yes, but she has gained Slipper's vote, unless he also stands down from parliament. As I pointed out, Slipper is unlikely to vote in favour of a no confidence motion, as he would lose his speakership entirely. As he was clearly willing to leave the Opposition to take the position, I doubt he would be willing to give up the position so easily.

rudy:

23 Apr 2012 12:21:55pm

Can you point to where the ABC has blamed Abbott? Unless you mean that (inconveniently for Abbott) Slipper was supported as a Liberal MP for years even with the rumours and stories that have always surrounded him.

Feet Slipper:

23 Apr 2012 10:31:47am

Oh dear, I thought that it might come to this - hence the pseud. But I feel past my used by date now. And as someone said below, no matter what his past, he (Slipper), belongs to Gillard now, and is hanging like a dried t**d on their tail!

Reinhard:

23 Apr 2012 11:14:30am

Oh so it is entirely irrelevant that he was elected to parliament by the coalition and coalition voters, served as a coalition government whip from 1997 to 1998, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration from 1998 to 2004 and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister from 2002 to 2003?

Ochonochar:

23 Apr 2012 10:34:34am

Oh dear me. Reading all the comments here have given me a good laugh. Excuse me while I just wipe the tears from my eyes.It's all Abbott's fault, it's a New Limited conspiracy, it's a this and it's a that.The problem with Gillard and her supporters is that they just can't see through their idealogical nonsense to the very clear reality that is so bleeding obvious to everyone else.Slipper was a problem. The Libs new he was a problem and wanted rid of him. He was a disaster waiting to happen. PeterCostello said as much just after the appointment to Speaker.So with all this in mind, and many learned people telling her it was a bad decision what does are illustrious leader do? She makes the WRONG decision.So why does this surprise me? Well the fact is it doesn't. The track record says it all. I am just thankfull that our PM went into politics. Imagine the death toll if she had become a bomb disposal expert and kept cutting the wrong wire.(Liberal voters realise of course that this could only happen once but I am afraid this "reality" may be lost on my left wing friends.)

Rhonda:

23 Apr 2012 1:11:02pm

..and you don't think that it's an extraordinary coincidence that it's only now that Peter Slipper's past (most of it during his time with the Liberals) has only now been exposed (no pun intended), at a time when the Labor government was receiving accolades for their Aged Care announcement and the early withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan? Perhaps when you finish drying your eyes you will be able to see a little more clearly.

Feet Slipper:

23 Apr 2012 1:41:13pm

He does hold one of the highest offices in the land. I'm not sure where it is ranked (3 or 4), however, this is an extremely serious matter. What he did previously; at church; school; parliament - or whatever, pale into significance.

And of course your argument backfires, for this reason: Gillard, et-al, took him on knowing his previous baggage. Now, how do you account for that.

You cannot say that he was a known bad-egg, and then seek to absolve Gillard appointing him?

howardp:

23 Apr 2012 10:44:55am

Annabel.

Where is a piece by you explaining why the Secretary of the Department of Finance cannot have the criminal allegations concerning Slipper"s use of private chauffeur vehicles comprehensively audited well before 8 May?

If the Government, (Penny Wong), cannot have the Department of Finance complete this task in such a timeframe you could have a good story.

Kay Gillard:

23 Apr 2012 11:20:39am

Stormcloud approaching? The stormcloud has not budged since Kevin came back from Copenhagen. Its a good thing this minority government can work in all types of weather. It gets good marks on flexiblity!

Ian:

True Blue Ozzie:

23 Apr 2012 11:01:12am

I'm not shocked, one messy drama after a nother, has follwed this Government, and there's still the matter of craig thompson. Sure none of us a perfict, but when you serve Public you must be squeky clean and above board thats just a fact of life!

duilio:

Geoff Green:

23 Apr 2012 11:03:18am

No matter what you think there are only so many hours in the day and the nation has to be managed and managed in the best way possible. With all of this distractive nonsense flying around there is no way that the government can apply itself to good management to the degree that is required. There is only one solution. Call an election now and get it all sorted out. Then the government, whoever it is, can get on with the proper management of what is, by any standards a very large enterprise.

Rodolfo:

23 Apr 2012 11:13:09am

"Slipper was a protected species for the many years he was a Coalition MP during the Howard government and in opposition. They did nothing about it, continued to preselect him and Abbott was prepared to use his support to form minority government." By Peter Coorrey SMH.

I think this says it all.

Coalition a bunch of hypocrites and you think that they're not power hungry. Give me a break!. That is why I will never succumbed to the coalition's lies and misinformations and negativity no matter what.

Pete:

Wow! The labor faithful are patrolling in numbers today. I can't recall an article in recent times that has got so many labor zealots into such a wild tizz. All the usual suspects and then some.

All good sport I suppose but you guys have got to drop the "but they (conservative's) did it as well when they were in power!" defense. It is childish and lame to defend the actions of someone because someone else did it as well as if it were somehow OK.

Labor have been in power (just) for almost two terms now. It's about time they and their supporters took responsibility for their choices.

Thelma:

23 Apr 2012 1:15:02pm

Wow, 'RDS'?! You certainly know your politics and economics. Could it also be that you may lose your job as one of the Labor MP staffer? If that is the case you should be worried. Very worried. Your trouble is that the huge majority of Australians have finally stopped listening to the hateful and toxic political propaganda from people like yourself.

I will be enjoying the post election day when you will have to call Tony Abbott as your PM. The problem is you will still not realise what good fortune for you and the county that will be.

Kevin Wunterm:

Reinhard:

23 Apr 2012 12:46:23pm

Pete: I take full responsibility for the following: Saving 250,000 jobs during the Global Financial Crisis, signing the Kyoto Protocol , the apology to Indigenous Australians for the stolen generations, dismantling of Work Choices, reduced income tax rates in 2008, 2009 and 2010, increased pensions , increased federal funding for health and education, the Clean Energy Bill, the Minerals Resource Rent Tax bill ...........shall I go on?

john in brisbane:

23 Apr 2012 11:32:57am

Ha ha that reference to the Dolly Parton movie made me spit out my biscuit.

You forgot that this guy has also been a disturbingly good speaker! I'm a big fan of Harry Jenkins and of allowing things to be free-flowing but Slipper has clearly stamped his authority on the role and has had definite ideas on how he wants things to run. It's a funny old planet.

Ima Dill:

23 Apr 2012 12:42:57pm

That's the point John. Peter Slipper does, as you say, have a definite idea on how he wants things to run. That's why Mr Ashby hasn't taken the legal action. He didn't want the shower to run the way Slipper wanted the shower to run. If the accusations are proven, then Slipper goes down in history as a dirty old man. Nothing funny about that.

rudy:

Ian Morella:

23 Apr 2012 11:50:58am

It is time the Labor Party accepted this government is no longer credible. It should cease taking the Australian people for granted and pay them the respect that a democratic system expects. This government was not popularly elected and has only been able to continue with the support of minor parties and independents and shady a deal with a Liberal to fill the most important position in the House of Representatives. Hence we have policies foistered upon us for which the Labor Party has no mandate. Julia Gillard and her advisors should be thankful we live in a society that just accepts the excuses and merely ridicules their incompetencies and lies rather than instigates uprises to force a change that the country rightly wishes. If the Prime Minister was truly honourable she would make an apoointment to see the Governor General immediately.

Ian:

23 Apr 2012 11:53:24am

Julia Gillard has admitted that Peter Slipper's decision to stand down as Speaker is 'appropriate'. However at the same time, while defending her decision to appoint him as Speaker last year, she has said "I dont claim to know Mr Slipper personally or well. Classic. Olympic-level back-pedalling. It's a fair bet she's getting to know him better and better as time goes on.

She has also said she was still committed to tackling problem gambling and would work with Mr Wilkie. Tune in for next week's episode. Will Andrew get taken for a mug again, or has he learned his lesson?

Mike:

23 Apr 2012 11:59:08am

Annabel, the Slipper and Thompson affairs along with the string of broken promises and the outright waste of tax payers money over the past few years should have proven a long time ago the inadequacy of Gillard. But nay! The ABC (Anything But Conservative) media outlets see things in a totally different light and do their utmost to promote the ALP agenda to the fullest. Humor and a light hearted dig at both sides of politics by a couple of token employees does not make up for the tsunami of left wing barrackers at the ABC.

So tell me - at what point in time will the ABC realise that this institution is funded by ALL taxpayers in this country? And if you really wanted to get down to brass tacks, those that are better off (financially) and probably vote conservative - by numerics - contribute more dollars for the upkeep - for what has is the Free Marketing and Media arm of the ALP and the Greens - need to see fairer and better value for their money.

The highly bias comments and points of view that extend from every one of the ABC News and Current Affairs shows has now extended itself into its comedy and science programs. The wholesale bias reporting within this outlet is incredible. The ABC has gone from extremely bad to putrid over the past 5 years and I can see to change in sight until there is a massive change in its structure and personnel. This cannot come to soon!

Do you not think that the Oppostion leader (5 or 6 million Australians) and his Ministers recognise this? Do you not think that this will be a fix that will be penciled in to their "to do" agenda upon taking office?

Mike:

Michael:

23 Apr 2012 12:05:34pm

Crabb wrote " Mr Slipper is now on Julia Gillard's team, so his troubles are hers."

I've wondered why this idea which Abbott has tried to foster has taken hold and is never held up to any scrutiny. I know that most journalists can't get their head around what a minority Govt is, but Crabb would do well not to simply follow News Ltd as gospel on such matters.

Just to spell it out for her and journalists like her, there are more than 2 "teams" now.

Journalists continuously write about the Labor party unable to sell the policies of a minority govt. I would argue that journalists have been either too lazy, incompetent or work for News Ltd to address this fact adequately.

Samuel G:

23 Apr 2012 12:49:18pm

Michael, which part of the sentence "" Mr Slipper is now on Julia Gillard's team, so his troubles are hers."" , don't you understand. Gillard recruited him as a speaker for a sinlge ourpose to get one extra vote, because she decided not to fulfil her written commitments to Wilkie. She knew well all about Slipper's past history. Therefore he could not be considered anywhere else but in Gillard's team. The same applies to Oakeshott and Windsor. They are on Gillard's Team. I also understand that Gillard always was on Bob Brown's team - however, that is different matter.

Disco:

S Hocking:

23 Apr 2012 12:09:31pm

It's all unfolding in dreamlike fashion, so Tony just shutup! What an idiot, he never knows when to close his mouth, always gotta make the little sniping point even when it's not necessary. Yep fabulous Prime minister material.

Graham English:

23 Apr 2012 12:17:26pm

Gawd! Its Hobson's choice, a free choice in which only one option is offered. Buffoons in government and buffoons in the opposition. Dont forget we have Tony Abbot, Scot Morrison, Cory Bernardi, Christopher Pyne and Co waiting to take over. No matter what we do it is Vote One Buffoons. You can refuse to vote Buffoon of course but as we have to vote we have to do something. Oh Gawd!

slademanifest:

rudy:

23 Apr 2012 12:18:17pm

Even the staunchest Labor supporter must be despairing at the mess this lot have made of the majority won by Rudd in 2007 and the improved electoral prospects since he and Swan steered Australia through the GFC. It looks like ending in a tawdry mess. I just hope the government survives to finish its reform agenda: things like national disability insurance, aged care and education funding reform, before Abbott gets his grubby hands on the steering wheel.

peter of mitcham:

23 Apr 2012 12:31:06pm

So according to documents tendered in Court in 2003 Howard's key adviser, Mr Nutt, was told about serious allegations made against Slipper and said to forget about it. Now Abbott wants to move heaven and earth (no pun intended) to hear all about it and lock slipper up without a trial. I think the NLP have made a slip up over Mr Slipper

Anne T:

I understand that it is your role to keep us all sane by reminding us of the ridiculousness of the antics of Australian politics, Annabel.

However, I did cringe a little when I saw the headline for your article "Gillard's policy program beaten by Slipper soapy ratings" because surely this is because of the antics of the Australian media.

It is really becoming unbearable how the media in this country focuses on the minutiae of individual's looks, habits, speech, behaviour and so on while not engaging in any meaningful analysis. The appalling behaviour of Joe Hockey on the world stage last week was treated to a few chuckles and intimations of Coalition cracks and then forgotten. What this man was saying was ignorant, embarrassing and frightening. Surely that bears more scrutiny.

Bokonon:

23 Apr 2012 12:38:06pm

Thabk's for the article, always a pleasure.

I wonder if the labour government would not be better off to call an election and have it done with. I get it's unlikely a people who lust for power will give it up willingly but there may be benefits. The huge defeats of labour in NSW and Queensland, which seemed to happen an election after they should have, mean labour wil find it very difficult to win office back quickly. To continue on this path means having to blindly support two MP's who carry the stench of corruption and rely on an independent they have already let down terminally. It seems impossible they can recover.

Maybe calling an election would gain them some integrity and limit the loss to a manageable level to be competitive in the next election. With control of both houses it seems inevitable there will be liberal excess to turn the voters sway.

Joel B1:

Bruce:

23 Apr 2012 12:47:55pm

Many have made the point here that the media is too obsessed with politics to bother with anything as yawnie as policy, especially when it's bipartisan. Annablel, why did you write an article about the scandal rather than about the aged care reforms? I guess you have an excuse - your special domain is political prattle. But ABC Insiders had nothing to say about aged care yesterday! Two days after it was announced! They would rather sit around speculating on political possibilities! Get your act together, ABC!

Frank:

23 Apr 2012 12:52:22pm

Sadly Annabel, some of us out there in the electorates just don't see the funny side of this Government any more. Gillard attracted an audience of 160 in our local electorate (Brand) when she snuck in for a photo opportunity with Gary Gray while all this other business was unfolding. She is only concerned about her own survival and about those who have propped her up to date. Why else would she trot into the little town of Rockingham WA unannounced, where Mr Gray's major achievements are mostly getting his face in the local media and on bus stop seats. No I dont think it is Hilariously funny having Australias political situation held together by a few selfish independents and other dubious allegiances. Perhaps the bright eyed Governor General should step down from the pomp and ceremony side of things for a while and ask herself is this really a good look for the Country, and is there any provisions in her charter to pull the plug on this Government so the voting public might have a say in all of this. After all it is taxpayers who are paying for this political circus, as it bumbles on uncontrolled from one fiasco to another.

Farside:

23 Apr 2012 12:56:26pm

Dear Dear Dear.......

The squealing chorus of the Laborites....this ones hurts doesn't it comrades.....really hurts...Julia and Wayne stuffed it up again... its alright you will have 10 maybe 15 years in opposition to get over the pain....

Rob:

The Coalition is determined to bring down the Government before July 1- when the carbon and mining tax are due to come in-AND before people come to realise that the world will not end because of them.

The coalition will try anything to achieve its objective. The Libs have form- Vietnam, 1975, Iraq, One Nation, children overboard; are but a few examples of what they are capable of. They are masters of the art of the spin and exaggeration; the core and non core promise, Goodwin Grech,the little (and big) lie, smokescreen, red herrings- anything to subvert Governent and due process.It worked for the Nazis- they convinced the majority- and led them to destruction. Which proves the majority can be easily led and does not always get it right.

Frank:

23 Apr 2012 2:38:13pm

Maybe the swinging voters have something to say about that sweeping statement. How much pain, deceit and waste of public money does the tax-paying public have to bear before this rotton Government is ditched. The sooner the better it ends for mine, but I'll wait until the next election opportunity, and wont be conned again.

merv:

23 Apr 2012 1:28:32pm

What I dont get is do we have an endorsed Government today or not? Wilkie has formally withdrawn the support he gave them which prior to Slipper got Labor into Government. Slipper has now stepped aside and cannot vote. Why is everyone rushing to Windsor now?

pontyman:

23 Apr 2012 1:29:05pm

Lets see if I can sum the discussion up.The Labour government should be allowed to carry on putting through their policies even though they hold power at all costs dependent on the votes of either the corrupt or the incompetent.The Coalition should be in government because they are not the Labour party. That is supposed to define our democracy? A choice between the corrupt or the incompetent seems like it is a choice between the best fourth rate minds and the best fifth rate minds.Does anyone seriously think the state of the economy has anything to do with Canberra, where Australia is now is a function of the currency and the economics of our resources and nothing to do with elected carpetbaggers.

OLD MAN:

23 Apr 2012 1:29:20pm

The only two people that have made any sensible comment on this tawdry matter in the media have been Messrs Windsor and Oakeshott.Wish that I had the choice of either of them as my local member rather than the major parties hacks I have suffered since being able to vote.

Andrew Thomas:

"Everyone is always agreeing in the ALP that it's time to put an end to "the soap opera".

With Australia's media and political culture, I doubt this will ever happen.

"Which sort of makes you wonder why they keep hiring soap stars."

If we offered politicians better wages and conditions (e.g. staying out of their personal lives such as what happened to David Campbell in NSW a year or so back), then maybe the Australian people could attract better candidates. However, it would be un-Australian to vote for improvements to politician's conditions. In short, you'd have to be half mad or just plain stupid to apply. Hence, expect the soap opera to continue (good news for journalists, not so good for our society).

Peter Schmidt:

Mark:

23 Apr 2012 1:47:23pm

After reading some of these comments i wondered about the presumption of innocents The law in australia states one is innocent until proven guilty in a court of LAW mr abbott is aware of this but it does not suit his political agenda.If australians want a guilty verdict prior to a court appearence then we can all start civil actions against every pooly then we can ask them to all stand down as they will be guilty until proven innocent.

Dave:

23 Apr 2012 1:51:32pm

It is interesting how the lefty ALP bloggers are all so interested in protecting the victims rights (which all should be), right up until the point it effects the ALP. What low life scum we read here accusing Slippers victim of conspiracy because he is a male and the ALP are protective of Slipper so they can fulfil their mantra of Power at any cost. Males dont get sexually assaulted or abused discriminated against because their males or is it because the ALP craves and worships power?!?!?!?

Stellar Cynic:

23 Apr 2012 1:52:00pm

Yes call me cynical but who is to say Slippers advisor isnt a Lib or has been got at by the Libs to fabricate the complaint. Lets see in whose office he gets a job or which seat he runs as a candidate.

It doesnt have to be real to do the damage it was designed to do...and its succeeding.

Peter Schmidt:

23 Apr 2012 1:53:52pm

After reading the comments I feel sorry for those who support labor. Grasping at straws, referrring to the hundreds of useless policies passed by labor as 'governing the country'. Gillard and Swan will go down in history as the most useless pair ever to 'govern' Australia. Yes, there is growth in Australia due to the mining sector. Yes we escaped the GFC because apart from the minerals we do not export anything. Yes, a lot of businesses went to the wall because of rising costs of burocracy just to feed some of the ridiculous green schemes. And yes, 60 percent of jobs created by this government was in the public sector, which is way above the long term average of about 30 percent.

maj:

golfer:

Lets not pretend both sides have form, what can get you out of it is the ability to fake(all sorts of things).

When John Howard was around he was neck deep in s#@t at times, his leadership was ok but his main asset was to fake sincerority/care and it worked so well for him.

On the other hand Julia Gillard just doesnt communicate that well on camera and her abilty to fake is somthing she just doesnt have despite trying many a time, Also the "real Julia" bs is a stain she cant wash out.

I dont know what the ALP can do, i feel sad when thinking of a Liberal coalition win not because i particularly support Labor but because some progressive policies like the NBN and the ETS(after the TAX) will be lost and im really sick of Australia being a hohum follower instead of a leader.

Ture Sjolander:

John Nicol:

23 Apr 2012 2:53:31pm

This has set-up written all over it. The amount of detail in the day-to-day interactions between Slipper and Ashby smells mightily as if his (Ashby's) role was allegedly primarily to entrap. Ricochet effect on the conservatives here no doubt in the future. Godwin lives!

Michael:

23 Apr 2012 3:00:39pm

These are allegations. Only allegations. They could be true but they might not be. What is needed is a Fair Work Australia investigation to find the truth. As we all know Fair Work Australia is a competent and independant department that has been set up by the Labour government. There is no doubt that Fair Work Australia has the high standards of investigation needed to uncover the truth and this department shows us all how competent Labour is at setting up independent professional bodies and how they are run by those, honest, hard working and dedicated public servants. We just have to wait three or maybe four years. But have no doubt the truth or at least some sort of report exonerating everyone who needs to be exonerated for political purposes will come out with no possibility of any charges against anyone who has ever done anything wrong.

Roney:

Remember this one and that one - but no-one's as bad as your guy...no, your guy was worse.

Your point is well made - "The Australian Government" is just a reality entertainment channel now.

The beauty of the old James Bond movies used to be that no-one was expected to take any of it seriously. The problem with the episode "The Rudd/Gillard Affairs", is that the producer/fixer - Ms Julia Gillard seems to think we should take it seriously.

Of late, I doubt anyone has seen anything but her trademark rabid scowl (comes straight after death stares at journalists asking pertinent questions) in the media.

On the other side though, life in Opposition must be like an end of season footy trip to Fiji, at the moment. Good times and celebrations. In fact - if Abbott could have been described as an effective spoiler before, he needn't even show up for work any more, such is the sheer stupidity of the ALP.

Ad break is over now - back to the send up. Are we sure we're not being led by the team from Flying High?

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